Religious faith after psychotic illness

Author(s): Kemp, R., Kirov, K., David, A. S.

Journal/Book: Psychopathology. 1998; 31: Allschwilerstrasse 10, CH-4009 Basel, Switzerland. Karger. 234-245.

Abstract: Religion can play an important role in the lives of psychiatric patients. We assessed how often a psychotic illness can lead to a change in the strength of religious faith and how commonly religion is used for coping with such illnesses in a sample of consecutively admitted patients. 52 patients with psychosis were interviewed regarding their religious beliefs after their index admission. 69.4% of the patients were religious, and 11 (22.4%) slated that religion was the most important part of their lives. 30.4% of the sample described that there had been an increase in their religiousness after the onset of illness; 61.2% of patients were using their religion for coping with the illness. Such patients had a better insight into their illness and were more compliant with antipsychotic medication. We conclude that the experience of a psychotic illness is likely to lead to an increase in religious beliefs. Such beliefs are commonly used for coping with the illness and some patients attach a great importance to them.

Note: Article Kirov G, Univ Wales Coll Med, Dept Psychol Med, Heath Pk, Cardiff CF4 4XN, S Glam, WALES

Keyword(s): COPING STRATEGIES; CLINICAL-PRACTICE; MENTAL-ILLNESS; FOLLOW-UP; DEPRESSION; SCHIZOPHRENIA; PSYCHIATRISTS; ATTITUDES; INSIGHT; BELIEF

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