Msgr. Rossetti

Response: When someone comes for assistance to an exorcist, he must first rule out natural causes. He should do his best to ensure that the distressing symptoms the person reports are not due to natural physical or psychological causes before looking into preternatural causes. Thus, it is not uncommon that the individuals will be given some sort of psychological review/screen, and perhaps even a physical exam if indicated.

Most exorcists have mental health professionals who assist in their ministry. Major mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and bipolar illnesses, often have at least partially a physical root, witnessed by the transmission of such illnesses down through the family line. Also, mental illnesses can often be traced to significant childhood trauma. It is critical that the true roots of one's symptoms be discovered so that an effective treatment can be employed. There are more than a few cases of exorcists spending years exorcizing a client who makes little progress because the person's symptoms were psychological and not demonic.

A bipolar illness is a clearly identified mental illness which can often be significantly helped with targeted medications. But there are cases in which a demonic affliction caused symptoms which appeared to be psychological but in fact were preternatural. Demons can mimic psychological symptoms. One way of knowing is by looking at the history and symptoms of the illness; a demonic affliction might mimic these but not completely. Moreover, a true bipolar mental illness often positively responds to medications while a demonic affliction often does not. In addition, when praying over a person, if the symptoms are demonic, then the symptoms will often ameliorate. Discernment can be difficult but eventually the truth comes out.