Psychosis vs Schizophrenia or Spiritual Disturbance? Actionable Mental Health Insights | Dr. Phang

The discussion, generated using Google Notebook technology, is based on a lecture delivered by consultant psychiatrist Dr. Phang Cheng Kar at Brickfields Maha Vihara, as part of the Ven. Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda Lecture Series (2011). The lecture centered on psychoeducation regarding psychosis and schizophrenia.

Dr. Phang currently serves as the President of the Kuala Lumpur Buddhist Mental Health Association and is highly regarded for his significant contributions to mental health education in the community. In recognition of his dedicated work, he received the 2017 Nalanda Award for Social Action and Responsibility.

00:00:00 Intro: Where Mind & Spirit Meet
00:00:24 Psychosis or Spiritual Experience?
00:02:21 Case 1: The Dancing Woman
00:03:05 Case 2: The Restless Nun
00:03:41 Case 3: The Regular Meditator
00:05:01 What is Psychosis?
00:07:57 Medical & Psychiatric Causes of Psychosis
00:08:34 Dr. Phang's father's strange behavior
00:09:12 The Diagnoses Revealed (Cases 1, 2 & 3)
00:11:00 Temples As Refuge For Psychosis
00:11:25 Dangers of Bogus Healers
00:12:19 Common Misconceptions - Hysteria & Speaking in Tongues
00:13:00 Does Meditation Cause Psychosis?
00:13:50 Can Spiritual Disturbance Cause Psychosis?
00:14:42 Spiritual Self Defense
00:15:30 Practical Take-Home Message
00:16:37 The "Litmus Test" for Diagnosis
00:17:38 Final Message: Seek Medical Help First

Full-length talk by Dr. Phang:   / 29yhbfbu8i8a68he66  

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In this video deep dive, consultant psychiatrist Dr. Phang Chiang Kar discusses the intersection of mental health, spiritual beliefs, and unusual behaviors. He presents three cases from the Malaysian Buddhist community in which individuals displayed unusual behaviors, such as talking nonsense, making wild gestures, and hearing voices. All three cases were ultimately diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Dr. Phang explains that psychosis is a brain condition with various causes, including psychiatric and medical conditions. He warns against misdiagnosis and the dangers of seeking help from traditional healers without medical oversight, as it can lead to physical abuse, unregulated treatments, and exploitation.

He clarifies common misunderstandings, stating that hysteria and speaking in tongues are not psychosis, and seeing spirits doesn't automatically mean psychosis unless it impairs daily functioning. He emphasizes that meditation does not cause mental illness but can trigger a relapse in vulnerable individuals or worsen mental health if practiced improperly.

Dr. Phang advises seeking medical help first for strange behavior and embracing a holistic approach that includes psycho-spiritual support alongside medical or psychiatric help. He concludes that while spiritual possibilities exist, psychosis is predominantly a common, treatable medical condition, and early medical intervention is critical.