Pronunciation: [dˌɛmənəmˈe͡ɪni͡ə] (IPA) 
Demonomania refers to an obsession or a strong preoccupation with demons or evil spirits. The word is spelled as dɛmənoʊˈmeɪniə, where the stress is on the third syllable. The 'd' is pronounced as a voiced alveolar stop, while the 'e' is pronounced as a schwa. The 'm' is pronounced as a bilabial nasal, and the 'oʊ' represents a diphthong made up of the sounds 'o' and 'ʊ'. The final syllable 'nia' is pronounced as 'niə'.
Demonomania, derived from the Greek words "daimon" meaning demon and "mania" meaning madness or obsession, is a psychological or religious phenomenon characterized by an intense and irrational obsession or delusion regarding demons, demonic possession, or supernatural evil entities. This psychological disorder is often associated with an excessive fixation on the belief that one is being controlled, tormented, or influenced by malevolent supernatural beings, leading to altered behaviors and distorted perceptions of reality.
Individuals afflicted with demonomania often exhibit a wide range of symptoms, including extreme anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and an overwhelming preoccupation with religious rituals, exorcisms, or other means of warding off or combating demons. They may also display signs of religious fanaticism, engaging in self-destructive behaviors, self-harm, or inflicting harm upon others due to their unfounded conviction that they are combating evil forces.
Historically, demonomania has been associated with various religious and cultural beliefs, particularly during periods of widespread witch hunts or religious fervor. It was often perceived as a manifestation of spiritual warfare or possession by evil forces. However, in modern psychology, demonomania is primarily viewed as a manifestation of delusional thinking, often associated with underlying mental health conditions such as schizophrenia or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Treatment for demonomania typically involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication to address the underlying psychological or neurological imbalances leading to the obsessive beliefs and behaviors. By helping individuals understand the irrational nature of their delusions and providing them coping strategies, therapists aim to alleviate symptoms and restore a more balanced perception of reality.
Daemonomania, an insane belief that one is possessed of devils.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Demonomania" is derived from two Latin words: "daimon" and "mania".
The Latin word "daimon" (or "daemon") originated from the Ancient Greek word "daimon", which referred to a divine or supernatural being. In Greek mythology, a "daimon" was often regarded as a lesser deity or spirit, capable of influencing human lives. Over time, the concept of a "daimon" evolved to include a broader range of meanings, including an evil or malevolent spirit or a person's inner guardian spirit.
The second part of the word, "mania", also has a Greek origin. It comes from the Greek word "mania" meaning "madness" or "insanity". This term was used to describe a state of extreme enthusiasm, obsession, or obsession with something or someone, often causing irrational behavior.
