The role of religion and spiritual approach in the management of patients with mental disorders
The role of religion and spiritual approach in the management of patients with mental disorders

Summary/Abstract: From ancient times, medical therapy was initially seen as the privilege of priests and has partly remained close to magic until today. The etymology of the word psychiatry makes us think that the treatment of the psychiatric patient should include a spiritual therapy closely related to the soul depending on the needs. Also, the etymology of the word psychotherapy refers to the healing of the soul, which has been discussed since ancient times, in a syncretic way, by the healers of all peoples. Thus, the need to open psychiatry to meditation, to prayer, and therefore to other therapeutic methods, can be taken into account. Any therapeutic process can also take into account the dialogue with the divinity, not necessarily in terms of the suffering person’s communication with God, but especially taking into account the therapeutic attitude. It should not be forgotten that, as I have stated, since ancient times the art of healing was associated with the sacerdotal activity. Thus, in this article we aim to carry out an analysis of mental disorders, supported by the biblical foundation of religion and to highlight the symbolism of the concept of cleanliness (pure and impure – sacred and profane), as a necessary working condition in the medical service. The role of specialized medical personnel and the need for comprehensive care that looks at the person as a whole becomes an elementary necessity for the medical service everywhere.

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