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USC Off the Beaten Path: The Search for Spirituality

Schizophrenia: Talking to God

Bill Compton thought he was an archangel who needed to lead all the good people to salvation — it sounds crazy, of course, but maybe it's not so black and white
By Amy Tenowich, July 24, 2007

Bill Compton thought he was an archangel who needed to lead all the good people to salvation. It sounds crazy, of course, but maybe it's not so black and white.

Schizophrenics with religious delusions may have more in common with the rest of us than we think. When it comes to "mystical" experiences, similar brain areas are activated for both healthy people, and for those living with the disease.

Perhaps one major difference is a schizophrenic's inability to return from that feeling of being at one with a greater power. Non-schizophrenics are able to return to the reality of the moment.

New research also shows that spirituality and religion — now rarely used in treatment — may be therapeutic for schizophrenics. Those living with other illnesses often turn to prayer for a sense of comfort, or to find meaning in their suffering.

But because religious delusions are often a part of schizophrenia, clinicians feel it may be counterproductive to talk about religion in treatment.

Still, many schizophrenics say religion and spirituality are very important to them, and that they wish it could be integrated into their care.

Image:

Bill Compton lived on the steets in Southern California for months, listening to voices telling him he was the Archangel Gabriel.

"You have to treat people not as a disease, but as a whole person"

— Bill Compton

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