[The "Gretchen question" for psychiatry--the importance of religion and spirituality in psychiatric treatment]

Abstract

Objective: The subject of religion and spirituality has attracted little attention in psychiatric research so far. The aim of the study was to give an overview of the attitudes of patients as well as psychiatrists towards regarding the importance of religion and spirituality in the treatment of mental illness. Furthermore we tried to give a description of established ideas involving both dimensions into the treatment of psychiatric patients.

Methods: We performed a search for relevant literature using the electronic databases Medline, PubMed, Psyndex and Embase. In addition we used the internet search engines Scopus and Google Scholar.

Results: Patients mention religion twice as often as an important factor in their lives as compared to psychiatrists. Consecutively, particular emphasis should be paid to the integration of both dimensions into clinical treatment. Additionally, the education of mental health professionals, consultation and the enrollment of religious or spiritual needs of patients when taking their medical history are essential factors. Religious coping and positive and negative components in matters of mental health are highlighted.

Conclusions: More attention should be paid to the "religiosity gap" between patients and their psychiatrists. The entirety of a human being includes a physical, emotional, social as well as a spiritual dimension. Mental health professionals ignoring one of these aspects may delay recovery.