Udaipur, March 26, 2025 – In a remarkable case that highlights the dangers of superstition and the importance of medical intervention, doctors at Pacific Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Umarda, successfully treated a 32-year-old woman from Lohargarh, Pratapgarh, who was brought in with symptoms that her family believed were caused by ‘spirit possession’.
From Faith Healers to ICU: A Life Saved by Science
According to PIMS Chairman Ashish Agarwal, the woman was admitted to the emergency unit on March 13, just a day before Holi. She arrived with her hands and feet tied, as her family feared she might harm others.
The family reported that for the past five days, her behavior had drastically changed — she refused food, couldn’t sleep, shouted about deceased relatives, and spoke in a heavy, altered voice. At times, she would grab people forcefully, which frightened her family even more.
Believing she was under a supernatural spell, the family first approached faith healers and tantriks, who declared she would not survive. The situation worsened to the point where, when doctors suggested ICU admission, her husband hesitated and asked for a guarantee of survival. However, the medical team won the family’s trust and proceeded with her treatment.
Diagnosis and Medical Treatment
Led by Dr. Praveen Khairkar, Professor and Head of Psychiatry, the medical team sedated the patient for 24 hours using Dexmedetomidine infusion to stabilize her. Clinical tests found only mild hypokalemia (low potassium levels), which was corrected. Her EEG and MRI brain scans were normal.
The treatment included:
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High-dose Mirtazapine
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Two sessions of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
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Hypnotic suggestions for psychological recovery
The woman’s condition improved dramatically, and she has now made a full recovery.
Supporting doctors included Dr. Amit Kumar (Anaesthesia), Dr. Archish Khivsara, Dr. Manisha Meena, and psychiatrists Dr. Ishu Bamal, Dr. Divya Chadha, and Dr. Yosha Raghuvanshi.
Awareness Against Superstition: Mental Health Needs Medical Attention
Chairman Ashish Agarwal emphasized that this case underscores the urgent need to replace superstition with medical awareness, especially when it comes to mental health.
“Many families lose precious time going to tantriks. Trusting doctors in time can save lives,” he said.
The team at PIMS hopes that this successful intervention will serve as a wake-up call to families across rural India, encouraging them to seek medical help rather than falling prey to unscientific beliefs.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
