An appraisal of religion and psychiatry since 1954

Conclusion The conclusion needs to be a word of warning rather than of congratulation. During the entire past generation, the slow but clear progress in constructive relationship between religion and psychiatry has been mainly a matter of increased understanding, and then mutual co-operation, between cleargymen and psychiatrists. But clergymen are not all there is of religion, and psychiatrists are not all there is of psychiatry. While, in the years ahead, the mutual understanding and co-operation between psychiatrists and clergymen must be increased, much more must be done on the larger scale: mutual understanding and co-operation between the whole of the psychiatric team, and the whole of the religious team. I believe that taking the full implications of team into account is the most important consideration in planning for these years ahead.     

Spirituality and religion in psychiatry: the impact of policy

ABSTRACT

Research and debate on the importance of spirituality and religion in psychiatry has led to a number of national and international policy initiatives, intended to clarify the boundaries of good practice and improve the way in which such matters are managed for the benefit of patients. Significant amongst these is the 2015 position statement of the World Psychiatric Association, the only such policy statement to date which has been internationally agreed. Preliminary evidence available suggests that this is having good effect in generating professional debate and further national policy initiatives in different countries. There is a need for further research on such policy initiatives to confirm whether or not they have the intended impact upon clinical practice and whether or not this in turn is beneficial for patients.     

The WPA position paper on spirituality and religion in psychiatry: a North American perspective

ABSTRACT

The WPA position statement is a clear challenge for psychiatrists to recognize how religion/spirituality (R/S) is relevant to their work. North American psychiatry has shown progress related to each principle articulated in the statement, especially in the areas of research and scholarship. However, most advances are yet to be widely implemented or coordinated, so that the statement offers valuable encouragement and direction in moving forward.