Messiah complex disorder, also called Savior Complex is a rare disorder that apparently doesn’t seem critical but the underlying set of conditions combined with the appearing signs and symptoms make it quite dangerous. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychological Disorders (DSM) doesn’t register Savior Complex because it is a mental state and not a clinical term and can’t be regarded as a diagnosable disorder. [1] This complex revolves around the religio-egocentricity of a personality where an individual believes himself to be the savior of a person, group of people, nation or entire mankind. This state of mind often reaches to extreme limits where the victim doesn’t bother about his own loss. Savior Complex is often associated with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder. [2] Being a very rare condition this complex state of mind requires keen observation and attention towards the behavioral pattern and religious insight of a person before making a conclusion.
Alternatives names for Messiah complex disorder
Messiah Complex Disorder is also known as Christ Syndrome and Jerusalem Syndrome. Every year thousands of tourists and worshippers visit Holy Land of Jerusalem to witness the holiness of the sacred place. Visits to Jerusalem often triggers religiously-themed delusions and obsessive ideas and perceptions to have power and authority than can save mankind. According to reports, many of those visitors are arrested in a state of utter psychosis where they believe themselves to be the savior and consider themselves as “Second Jesus”. More than 40 of such individuals are admitted into hospitals for the abrupt onset of Christ Syndrome or Messiah Complex Disorder. Jerusalem psychiatrist Heinz Herman marked Jerusalem Syndrome as a form of hysteria and termed it “Jerusalem Squabble Poison”. [3]
Messiah Complex Disorder is a behavioral pattern and a state of mind that can’t be diagnosed based on particular signs and symptoms. Such individuals are the narcissist. They are overwhelmingly concerned with their opinions and their lifestyle revolves around “I”. These individuals either spend their entire life thinking of being responsible for helping others out or they experience episodes of psychosis and hysteria often induced by specific triggers. In extreme cases, people tend to idolize Jesus thus they opt unsustainable trend of living by putting others’ needs before their own. If they fail to help out others they become aggressive and frustrated with themselves. They go to the last limit of taking someone out of trouble and when they do, they experience a state of euphoria because of the victory. Their efforts and victory further cements their belief and the dangerous cycle of being a savior continues. [3]
Since Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychological Disorders (DSM) has not registered Messiah Complex Disorder as a psychological disorder therefore no medical treatment is acknowledged. However, psychiatrists do consider it as a mental health disorder and frequent research is currently going on to reach a healthy conclusion. Although medicines are not available for it but therapy is strongly suggested to overcome this health issue. The victims should be convinced that how their help can’t protect everyone from troubles. They should only step in when asked and it is better to think for a couple of minutes before offering help. They should only help when asked and it is also okay to stay away from the site of danger and not help anyone when your life is at risk. [4]
References
- Messiah complex. (2020, January 6). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messiah_complex.
- Editor, -F. P. (2014, February 11). Messiah Complex Psychology. Retrieved from https://flowpsychology.com/messiah-complex-psychology/.
- Archaya, S., & Murdock, S. M. (2013, February 12). Dangerous delusions: The Messiah Complex and Jerusalem Syndrome. Retrieved from https://freethoughtnation.com/dangerous-delusions-the-messiah-complex-and-jerusalem-syndrome/.
- Chernyak, P., &Lpc. (2019, March 29). How to Get Rid of a Savior Complex. Retrieved from https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-a-Savior-Complex.
