Exorcisms

[Mister Agenda]

I could see it sometimes having some kind of placebo effect or possibly providing some beneficial catharsis, but many methods of exorcism are outright dangerous to the afflicted and I don't see how any benefits could be long-lasting if the subject is really mentally ill.

Dangerous how? As in medical neglect?

I had more in mind the potential psychological trauma of an intense exorcism, not to mention physical traumas of certain exorcism rituals, which may involve beatings or other physical distress with the aim of making the demon want to leave that body. I recall a recent case where a man drowned his son attempting to perform a home exorcism, which some evangelical protestant sects practice (the home exorcisms, not the drownings).