Health and Religion, Insights from scientific studies. Revd. Dr - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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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

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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.

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Scientific evidence

Test models against external reality
Takes time
Models change as more data comes in
Best current model

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Types of trial

Double blind placebo controlled trials
Cohort, prospective trials
Case control, retrospective trials
Cross-sectional trials

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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’.

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Aspects of religion

Public practice/ ritual
Private practice/ ritual
Religious commitment/ importance
Religious Experiences
Religious coping

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Religion articles by year

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Happiness and religion

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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,

verall stress, natural disasters, war and

acts of terrorism.

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Evidence depression

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Depression prospective cohort studies

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University of Columbia study Over 30 years Women ten times less likely to get depression again if said “Religion

r spirituality is important to me”

Their high risk children ten times less likely to get depression

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Evidence: Suicide

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Evidence: Anxiety

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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

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Evidence: physical health

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How does it work?

Supernatural agency? Can’t

test this.

Psychological
Healthy lifestyle
Social networks and support

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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

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Harold G. Koenig, “Religion, Spirituality, and Health: The Research and Clinical Implications,” ISRN Psychiatry, vol.

2012. doi:10.5402/2012/278730