Religion, spirituality and psychiatry: steps towards rapprochement.
OBJECTIVE
To consider the claim that there is a fundamental epistemological conflict between religion and psychiatry over what constitutes rational explanation, and what impediment this might be to rapprochement between the two.


CONCLUSIONS
An epistemological gap most certainly exists, but there is a growing acceptance of the importance of religion and spirituality to psychiatry. Rapprochement may best be achieved by increasing psychiatric awareness and knowledge of the issues, and by a willingness to embrace intellectual, cultural and religious pluralism.
Turbott
John
J
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Science, School of Medicine, University of Auckland, New Zealand. s-j.turbott@xtra.co.nz
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001364:Awareness; D019348:Empiricism; D006801:Humans; D019359:Knowledge; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000639:trends*; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D029181:Spirituality