How can psychologists and psychiatrists differentiate between criminal insanity and satanic influence?

Can the patient turn his head 360 degrees?

Strictly speaking, they don't. Consulting my DSM-4, I find no reference to demonic possession as a diagnosis, but the terminology may appear in the description of symptoms for dissociative identity disorder, which is just a fancy way of saying "something's gotten into you."

But let's not quibble, here. The shrinks know that if someone believes something to be true, then it is effective true for the believer. Or, otherwise, the skilled head shrinker will ask enough questions to determine that exposure to certain religious or spiritual influences during formative years may take shape as "possession," even though the patient denies it, and doesn't recall it.

Consequently, an effective remedy for what is technically termed "dissociative identity disorder," may, in fact, be an exorcism, performed by a priest or similar spiritual authority figure.

The "tests" do not, and never have, sought to determine with accuracy the CAUSE of any disorder. Rather, the test (which may be a simple set of scripted questions) are intended to identify the NATURE of the disorder. Once that is determined, then treatment is indicated.

So, think of athlete's foot fungus (if you dare). Do we really want to track down the origin, the source? No. We want to make sure it IS athlete's foot, and then treat it.

Hope that helps.

What you mean to say is "how can psychologists and psychiatrists differentiate between biological insanity and satanic influence and satanic behaviour?". The answer is they cannot, only a religious person can identify the satanic, these issues arise from a sinful lifestyle and progress into criminal behaviour. Some issues of behaviour can be addressed by behaviour modification using religious or secular methods as well as medicinal such as alcoholism or homosexuality. However other issues that could lead into criminal behaviour such as bipolar-ism cannot be addressed by just behaviour mod or spiritual techniques, they need medical attention. Christians realize that Wisdom is a gift of God and doctors are full of it so we recognize that much of insanity is biological, however we also recognize sin for what it is, a rebellion against the commands of God and therefore satanic. Here Christian education and counseling is an effective life changing tool for those that are willing to accept it.

Very simple - There is no satanic influence, paranoid delusions are often caused by beliefs in aliens, evil religious beings, government cover ups or whatever a person fears. Chronic fear causes brain shrinkage as people access the dream part of their brain so whatever they fear seems very real - dreams can seem very real.

The Jewish TaNaKh (mistranslated old testament) does NOT have a hell or evil beings, and teaches that the belief in good versus evil is the fall of mankind.

Judaism supports what science tells us about how things rereally work. Reality trumps beliefs.

well.....if you wanna play the demon card, you best get to the supreme court. You need Chief Justice Scalia