I do believe that people who have not trusted in God can be possessed...there are accounts proving that. I do not believe that believers in God can be possessed but certainly oppressed (from with-out) by evil.

I do not believe that all possession is mental illness, nor do I believe that all mental illness is caused by possession, but there are accounts of both.

There is an evil force in the world that battles against God, in my belief...and that evil will do anything to keep someone from finding the God of Love. It isn't really about us, it's about that battle evil has with Good.

I personally know there are demons; I have personally helped to clear a house from one that was oppressing some Christian friends of mine. It is a very dark and powerful entity. I couldn't imagine how someone without God's power could affect it.

It's sad to hear that you spent money on the DSM. I have only purchased one in my life, that being when I first open my practice. (Now you can subscribe online for a fee though...sigh.) You can research any disorder you feel you may have quite easily without one..even taking a personal survey here at PC to see what might be bothering you.