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An Italian exorcist has revealed how to tell if someone is possessed by demons or if they are mentally ill.  

Father Cipriano de Meo, who has been an exorcist in Rome since 1952, says the way to find out is by praying.

The victim's reaction to the exorcist and the words he says in prayer may provide tell-tale signs of demonic activity.

The exorcist will typically say 'a prolonged prayer to the point where if the Adversary is present, there's a reaction,' he told Catholic News Agency.

'A possessed person has various general attitudes towards an exorcist, who is seen by the Adversary as an enemy ready to fight him.' 

'There's no lack of frightening facial expressions, threatening words or gestures and other things,' he said, 'but especially blasphemies against God and Our Lady.'  

In 2014, the International Association of Exorcists called the rise of demonic activity a 'pastoral emergency.' 

Spokesman Dr Valter Cascioli told CNA at the time that tell-tale signs include 'ignorance, superficiality, stupidity or proselytizing, actively participating or just watching - the consequences are always disastrous.'

But Father de Meo emphasized that not all cases of possession are going to look the same, which is why it is so important for exorcists to go through rigorous training.

'It's up to the priest serving in this ministry to know how to deal with the case, by the will of God, with love and humility,' he said.

'For this reason, with my bishop's authorization, for 13 years, I've led a school for exorcists. I've tried to especially prepare those who are beginning this ministry,' he said.

Last year, the Vatican Congregation for the Clergy and the Sacerdos hosted a seminar to train priests in spotting demonic possession featuring doctors, theologians, lawyers and psychologists.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between demonic activity and mental illness. 

It says: 'Exorcism is directed at the expulsion of demons or to the liberation from demonic possession through the spiritual authority which Jesus entrusted to his Church. Illness, especially psychological illness, is a very different matter; treating this is the concern of medical science.

'Therefore, before an exorcism is performed, it is important to ascertain that one is dealing with the presence of the Evil One, and not an illness.'

It also offers guidance on how to deal with demonic activity: 'Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone.' 

Father de Meo also offered advice on how to avoid being possessed. 

He said that people often turn to 'the chatter of magicians and Illusionists' for answers in life, rather than 'the weapons the Lord has put at our disposal.'

By that he meant that the best defense against demonic possession is a simple and sacramental life of prayer.

'It's absolutely fundamental to get rid of sin and live in the grace of God,' he said.

As for the exorcists themselves, it is important to remain humble and to remember that their power comes from Christ, Father de Meo added.

'Regarding spiritual preparation, humility and the conviction that we exorcists aren't the ones who are going to cast out the demon that's fighting Christ. We're called to fight on behalf of Christ.'