Possession and jinn

Abstract

Muslims form Britain's largest ethnic minority group - nearly three percent of the UK population - and in this community there is widespread belief in jinn possession. The prevalence of jinn possession states remains unknown. When medical and psychiatric services become involved, an inclusive, culturally sensitive approach is good medical practice. In future research, it would be useful to clarify the relationship between explanatory models generated by the medical profession, Muslim religious leaders, the Muslim population and faith healers, with a view to defining better treatment pathways. 18 refs. [Conclusion]