Psychic Junkies

[Muse]

Hi all,

I'm trying to conduct some research to determine some measure of the extent of the proportion of the population addicted to psychic readings of whatever sort.

Sarah Lassez has made much of her own personal dependency in the US even starting off a sufferers support site as a result - see here. The problem is that despite it being mentioned as a growing UK phenomenon in the papers recently I have yet to find any real evidence of a UK problem - although in this climate of psychic mania I'm sure it must be out there....somewhere.

I have tried contacting various addiction specialists from the Psychological Association but no joy. Its not a recognised problem as far as they're concerned.

Question is has anyone here come across a real instance of this or does anyone know of any counselling specialists who have?

Thanks guys. :)

[Admin]

This phenomenon does exist - known as 'psychic dependency'.

I did look into it a while back but only as background information.

I'll have a search of the research papers on university websites. They often have some great info that never makes mainstream publications.

[Muse]

Thanks John - I know its out there somewhere.

As far as psychology speak goes 'psychic dependency' also refers to addiction to all sorts of things. I can find reems of stuff for gambling, drink, drugs and other addictions but not this particular one.

Any help would be most appreciated. :)

[Admin]

No problem.

I'll have a look in the morning.

[doubting thomas]

Its easy to find psychic junkies, they are the ones tuned into living TV watching most haunted etc

[Admin]

Well, I couldn't really find anything. :(

I asked on the ASSAP forum as there's a few psychologists there and I got this link: http://www.lermanet.com/cisar/germany/030217.htm

It mentions psychic dependency a few times but it's not really a study on the issue.

It depends where the line is drawn between being a 'user' and a 'dependent' but if you consider the tackier end of the market - psychic phone and TV readings - there are a lot of people who use them. Otherwise these businesses would not be viable.

[Muse]

Thanks very much John. :)

It's out there but still unrecognised as a problem in its own right. There was a woman claiming to be an authority on the subject by the name of Terri Dunne Andrews quoted in the recent Daily Express article but it turns out she's not one to use as she's a self professed clairvoyant herself!

It seems she's cornered both ends of the market in that she gives readings then when people become hooked she claims to sort them out!

Also amusing in all this is the Daily Express' who run an article on psychic dependency one week then push Selfridges psychic services a couple of weeks later!!