Pilot study investigating the effect of intercessory prayer in the treatment of child psychiatric disorders.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether intercessory prayer had an effect on the outcomes of a group of children with psychiatric conditions, using a triple blind randomized study design.


CONCLUSIONS
This study was unable to show any additional benefits for patients who received intercessory prayer compared to those who received treatment as usual.
Mathai
John
J
Royal Children's Hospital Mental Health Service, Parkville, Vic., Australia. john.mathai@rch.org.au
Bourne
Angela
A
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D029221:Faith Healing / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010552:Personality Assessment; D010819:Physician's Role / Q000523:psychology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D012803:Sick Role; D013140:Spiritualism; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014739:Victoria