Psychiatry and spirituality: Relationships and importance in psychotherapy

Harold G Koenig

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Psychiatry and spirituality: Relationships and importance in psychotherapy

Author: Harold G. Koenig ^{1
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Author Information

1. Professor Of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
2. Associate Professor Of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
3. Adjunct Professor, Dept Of Medicine, King Abdulaziz, University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
4. Adjunct Professor Of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, P.R. China
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Spiritual history
MeSH: Religion; Spirituality; Depression; Anxiety; Suicide; Substance-Related Disorders; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Psychotherapy
From: The Philippine Journal of Psychiatry 2023;4(1-2):1-9
CountryPhilippines
Language:English
Abstract: This paper summarizes a lecture on psychiatry and spirituality, which examined research onthe relationship between religion, spirituality and mental health, and discussed theimportance of addressing spiritual issues in psychotherapy. In this article, religion andspirituality are first differentiated from one another. Next, research on the relationshipbetween religion and mental health is examined. Third, a theoretical model is presentedexplaining how religious involvement may affect mental and social health. Fourth, a review of religious/spiritually-integrated psychotherapy is presented with a focus ondepression/anxiety, moral injury, and PTSD. Finally, further resources for more informationabout the topic is provided. Because many people in the Philippines are religious, and religionaffects mental health one way or the other, it cannot be ignored by psychiatrists who practicein this country.