Citation

Dein S. BJPsych Bull 2018; 42(3): 127-129.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Royal College of Psychiatrists)

DOI

10.1192/bjb.2017.13

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper argues for the inclusion of religion and spirituality in psychiatric care. After discussing the antagonism of psychiatrists and psychologists to religion, I present a critical overview of studies examining the relationships between spirituality, religion and diverse aspects of mental health: depression, suicide, anxiety, delinquency, drug abuse and schizophrenia. The need to assesses the impact of religion in different faith groups is discussed. Measures of religious coping, both positive and negative, may provide a more accurate portrayal as to how individuals deploy religion in their lives than global measures such as belief and attendance. I highlight the fact that there is a dearth of research on ritual, prayer and other aspects of religious experience. While many studies demonstrate positive effects of religion on mental health, others find detrimental effects. Finally I examine the clinical implications of these findings. © The Author 2018.

Language: en

Keywords

human; mental health; suicide; depression; prevalence; schizophrenia; anxiety; drug abuse; disease association; mental health care; psychiatrist; life satisfaction; coping behavior; religion; mental patient; psychologist; delinquency; remission; ritual; Article; personal experience; medication compliance