`Jerusalem syndrome' rise feared

Jerusalem, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Jerusalem's main psychiatric clinic said yesterday that it expected a surge in admissions among…

Jerusalem, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Jerusalem's main psychiatric clinic said yesterday that it expected a surge in admissions among millennium pilgrims struck by a syndrome that convinces some people that they are characters from the Bible. "There is already an increase of about 50 to 60 per cent," Dr Gregory Katz of the Givat Shaul Mental Health Centre told Israel Radio.

Dr Katz said the clinic was at present treating three foreigners affected by what is known as Jerusalem Syndrome, including a woman who was convinced she was a prophet. Some people feel inexplicably compelled to don white robes - sometimes their hotel bed sheets - and preach rambling sermons, he said.