Relevance and integrity: psychiatry informed by religion/spirituality

Abstract

Background: There has been increasing interest and endeavour over the last decade in incorporating religion/spirituality into the familiar biopsychosocial model to facilitate a whole-person-focused approach to the practice of psychiatry. Objectives: To examine the rationale and feasibility of a whole-person-focused approach. Methods: Literature with special focus on the conceptual and practical aspects of integrating religion/spirituality with the practice of psychiatry was reviewed and critiqued. Findings: There are both conceptual and methodological evidence that such approach is a valid and warranted one. Conclusions: When insights from religion/spirituality are applied to the practice of psychiatry with integrity and relevance, the development of a whole-person approach to mental healthcare is achievable and its application potentially beneficial.