title: Religion, spirituality, and schizophrenia: a review.
abstract: Religion and spirituality exert a significant role in the lives of many individuals, including people with schizophrenia. However, the contribution of religion and spirituality to various domains (psychopathology, explanatory models, treatment seeking, treatment adherence, outcome, etc.) has not received much attention. In this article, we review the exiting data with regards to the relationship of religion, spirituality, and various domains in patients with schizophrenia. Available evidence suggests that for some patients, religion instills hope, purpose, and meaning in their lives, whereas for others, it induces spiritual despair. Patients with schizophrenia also exhibit religious delusions and hallucinations. Further, there is some evidence to suggest that religion influences the level of psychopathology. Religion and religious practices also influence social integration, risk of suicide attempts, and substance use. Religion and spirituality also serves as an effective method of coping with the illness. Religion also influences the treatment compliance and outcome in patients with schizophrenia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
authors.forename: Sandeep
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Grover
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
authors.forename: Triveni
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Davuluri
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
authors.forename: Subho
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chakrabarti
keywords: Religion; schizophrenia; spirituality