Jerusalem Syndrome: Understanding a Distinct Psychological Phenomenon Experienced by Some Visitors to the City of Jerusalem
In the heart of the ancient city of Jerusalem, a peculiar phenomenon has been observed for decades, affecting visitors who come to this sacred place seeking solace or connection. Known as Jerusalem Syndrome, this affliction causes religious delusions, disorganized behaviour, and psychosis, and has been the subject of much debate and research.
Polish artist Katarzyna Kozyra's documentary features individuals claiming to be Jesus and the chosen one from the Tribe of Ephraim, who are suffering from Jerusalem Syndrome. These individuals are not isolated cases; the syndrome is common enough that locals, including reverends, U.S. consulate officials, hostel managers, and tour guides, can spot the symptoms from a mile away.
Heinz Herman, an Israeli psychiatrist, first clinically described Jerusalem Syndrome in the 1930s. Since then, Dr. Yair Bar-El, who treats patients exhibiting signs of Jerusalem Syndrome at Kfar Shaul Mental Health Center, has written the definitive paper on the syndrome in 1999, breaking it down into seven distinct stages.
The syndrome is divided into three types, each with unique characteristics. Type 1 sufferers, who have a prior history of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, often identify as specific biblical characters and tend to isolate themselves before arriving in Jerusalem, travelling alone. A man from Iowa, a firefighter with no history of mental health issues, contracted Type 3 Jerusalem Syndrome while in Jerusalem, proclaiming himself Samson or King David, and living in a tent on a city hillside waiting for the apocalypse. Type 3 is the rarest form, characterized by sudden onset and no prior history of mental illness in the sufferer.
Type 2 sufferers may come to Jerusalem alone or with a group of people. They are typically characterized by a history of non-psychotic mental disorders, such as personality disorders that leave patients obsessed with a fixed idea. In the Purification stage, sufferers start cleaning and showering compulsively, and obsess about clipping toenails and fingernails perfectly.
Experts understand Types 2 and 3 Jerusalem Syndrome as an extension of pre-existing psychotic issues, and they are not considered medically valid diagnoses. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders does not list Jerusalem Syndrome as a valid diagnosis for a given illness because no one has been able to prove that the religious delusions are not tied to hidden, underlying mental health issues.
Dr. Mark Serper suggests that the religiosity of Jerusalem Syndrome may be due to upbringing and self-selection, with those feeling a particular sense of religiousness drawn to Jerusalem as a 'mecca.' However, gender does not seem to have a significant impact on who contracts Type 3 Jerusalem Syndrome.
As the city of Jerusalem continues to attract visitors from around the world, the phenomenon of Jerusalem Syndrome remains a fascinating and complex subject, shedding light on the intricate relationship between religion, mental health, and human behaviour.
Read also:
- Overweight women undergoing IVF have a 47% higher chance of conceiving naturally post-weight loss
- Bonsai Trees from Evergreen Species: Exploring Growth Characteristics & Distinct Qualities
- What temperatures may make walking your canine companion uncomfortable?
- Title: Information About Beovu: Potency, Form, Usage, and Additional Details
