A Narrative Review on Jerusalem Syndrome: Exploring Diagnosis, Treatment and Cultural Impacts

Abstract

Visitors to Jerusalem who are not religious may experience “Jerusalem Syndrome,” characterised by obsessive religious ideas and delusions that can lead to psychosis. There are three varieties of this disorder. However, it is not officially recognised: Type-I affects individuals who have already experienced psychosis; Type-II affects persons who held unusual ideas before travelling to Jerusalem; and Type-III affects people who were initially mentally stable but developed psychosis while in Jerusalem. The review explores the effects of Jerusalem Syndrome on mental health, drawing comparisons with “Paris Syndrome.” Notable similarities with schizophrenia point to different initiators related to Jerusalem’s significance. Jerusalem Syndrome is treated with individualised mental care that combines medication and psychotherapy.

Keywords

• paris syndrome
• psychotherapy
• religious delusions