Common Alleged Signs of Demonic Possession

1. Extreme Personality Changes
   • Sudden aggression, violent outbursts, or uncharacteristic hatred.
   • Speaking in a distorted voice or unknown languages (glossolalia).
2. Superhuman Strength or Abilities
   • Displaying unnatural physical power beyond normal human limits.
   • Levitation or contorting the body in impossible ways.
3. Knowledge of Hidden or Private Information
   • Revealing secrets the person could not have known.
   • Speaking fluently in languages they never learned.
4. Aversion to Sacred Objects
   • Fear, pain, or violent reactions to holy water, crucifixes, or prayers.
   • Inability to enter places of worship.
5. Physical Manifestations
   • Unexplained wounds (stigmata), scratches, or bite marks.
   • Eyes turning black or unnatural changes in facial appearance.
6. Self-Harm or Violent Behavior
   • Self-mutilation, screaming, or thrashing without cause.
   • Attempting to harm others with no logical motive.
7. Unnatural Bodily Reactions
   • Foaming at the mouth, convulsions (not linked to epilepsy).
   • Extreme body temperature changes (burning hot or icy cold).
8. Animalistic Behavior
   • Growling, hissing, or crawling like a beast.
   • Obsession with death, decay, or blasphemy.

Medical & Psychological Explanations

Many symptoms attributed to possession can be explained by:

• Mental Illness (schizophrenia, dissociative identity disorder, severe psychosis)
• Neurological Conditions (epilepsy, brain tumors, Tourette’s syndrome)
• Drug Abuse (hallucinogens, stimulant psychosis)
• Extreme Trauma (PTSD-induced dissociation)

What to Do If Someone Shows These Signs?

1. Rule Out Medical Causes – Seek a doctor or psychiatrist first.
2. Religious Consultation – If no medical cause is found, some may request an exorcism (performed by trained clergy in Christianity, Islam, etc.).
3. Safety First – Violent cases may require emergency intervention.

Final Thought

While Hollywood dramatizes possession, real-life cases are extremely rare and often linked to mental health issues. Always prioritize medical evaluation before considering supernatural explanations.