Health and Religion, Insights from scientific studies. Revd. Dr Alison J Gray MA MB BChir MRCPsych MMedSci Dip Theol Consultant liaison psychiatrist Hereford Associate Minister St Andrews Malvern. 5/13/13 3:47 PM 1
Scientific evidence • Test models against external reality • Takes time • Models change as more data comes in • Best current model 5/13/13 3:47 PM 2
Types of trial • Double blind placebo controlled trials • Cohort, prospective trials • Case control, retrospective trials • Cross-sectional trials 5/13/13 3:47 PM 3
Measure religion not spirituality • Multiple definitions of spirituality • Contamination of measures of spirituality with positive character traits and mental well being • e.g. ‘feeling optimistic’ and ‘finding meaning and purpose in life’. 5/13/13 3:47 PM 4
Aspects of religion • Public practice/ ritual • Private practice/ ritual • Religious commitment/ importance • Religious Experiences • Religious coping 5/13/13 3:47 PM 5
Religion articles by year 5/13/13 3:47 PM 6
Happiness and religion 5/13/13 3:47 PM 7
Religion helps people cope with: Medical illnesses, chronic pain, kidney disease, diabetes, pulmonary disease, cancer, blood disorders, heart disease, cardiovascular disorders, visual problems, neurological disorders, HIV/AIDS, SLE, Irritable bowel syndrome, musculoskeletal disease, caregiver burden psychiatric illness, bereavement, end of life issues, overall stress, natural disasters, war and acts of terrorism. 5/13/13 3:47 PM 8
Evidence depression 5/13/13 3:47 PM 9
Depression prospective cohort studies 5/13/13 3:47 PM 10
University of Columbia study Over 30 years Women ten times less likely to get depression again if said “Religion or spirituality is important to me” Their high risk children ten times less likely to get depression 5/13/13 3:47 PM 11
Evidence: Suicide 5/13/13 3:47 PM 12
Evidence: Anxiety 5/13/13 3:47 PM 13
Psychosis • Schizophrenia mixed results. • R/S predicts better outcomes in subjects with psychosis (2 studies) • Bipolar disorder 4 studies, 2 positive link, 2 mixed • Meditation and mindfulness as treatment • Mania has been precipitated by meditation 5/13/13 3:47 PM 14
Evidence: physical health 5/13/13 3:47 PM 15
How does it work? • Supernatural agency? Can’t test this. • Psychological • Healthy lifestyle • Social networks and support 5/13/13 3:47 PM 16
Summary: Scientific evidence • Organised religion is good for your mental health • Religion has less protective effect on psychosis • Religion is good for your physical health • Health staff should ask general questions about religious belief and practice 5/13/13 3:47 PM 17
Harold G. Koenig, “Religion, Spirituality, and Health: The Research and Clinical Implications,” ISRN Psychiatry, vol. 2012. doi:10.5402/2012/278730 www.hindawi.com/isrn/psychiatry/ 2012/278730/ 5/13/13 3:47 PM 18
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