Religião e saúde mental: desafio de integrar a religiosidade ao cuidado com o paciente

Abstract

The study aimed to analyze scientific studies that show as subject an interface between religion and mental health care. From the literature reviewed in the databases LILACS, BDENF and electronic library SciELO, in the period 2000-2010, it was performed an integrative review of thirteen papers, using, as inclusion criterion, the availability of work via online and their compatibility thematic with the objective of the study. Six categories were listed, concluding that religion is a dimension that can contribute positively to the treatment of patients with mental illness, by providing emotional and social continence and teachings on customs, that encourage quality of life.

Religiosidade e espiritualidade: mecanismos de influência positiva sobre a vida e tratamento do alcoolista

“…18 Another study addresses non-organizational religiosity, but private, that is related to religious rituals (praying, meditation, Bible reading) or relevance of these in one's life, which may also appear in adverse situations. 9 The interview analysis resulted in the development of five thematic categories: 1) Religion comforts people in alcohol withdrawal; 2) Inner power to take care of health; 3) Religion promotes change of habit, routine and behaviors; 4) Religion is a complement to treatment; 5) Our everyday prayer: a therapeutic resource.…”

“…Inner power related to spirituality indicates a life fortress, driving human beings to seek for a meaning in life, translated into energy that produced positive strength. Indeed, spirituality and religiosity have a positive influence on people's health 9,23 and mental health, 24 leading to energy mobilization and positive initiative, making them stronger to efficiently cope with their problems. 9 Willpower is demonstrated when one shows to be ready or motivated to change, engage and adhere to the treatment, remaining in withdrawal.…”

“…This interpretation agrees with the literature when alcoholics internalize religious values 25 in charge of rules of moral conduct 26 and healthy behaviors, for instance, non-consumption of alcohol and other drugs. 9 Some studies highlight that internalization of religious beliefs and values can contribute to self-monitoring and selfcontrol 5,27 towards prevention of self-destructive behaviors and trigger motivational processes 28 to avoid or reduce alcohol consumption.…”

“…9,19,29 Religion is an effective tool in the process to prevent non-socially normative behaviors and promote socially normative behaviors. This fact is justified by one's self-control and self-monitoring ability in emotional, cognitive (through belief) and behavioral dimensions to achieve success in many aspects of life.…”

“…3,6 Religiosity and spirituality can affect health, reducing unhealthy behaviors, such as the consumption of psychoactive substances. 4,9 Regarding the drug problem dimension, religiosity or spirituality practices have been considered a protective factor against the consumption of alcohol and other drugs, in the prevention and treatment dimensions. 4,10 It is associated with better life skills and human physical and mental well-being.…”