Recommendations for Psychiatrists on Spirituality and Religion

Cook, C.C.H.

Abstract

The aims of this position statement are to affirm the value of considering spirituality and religion as a part of good clinical practice and to provide guidance which will clarify and affirm the boundaries of good practice. It draws upon the current evidence base, published debate, and the aspirations of service users as expressed in published surveys and informal contacts. The Royal College of Psychiatrists believes that such guidance is important for the protection of both patients and psychiatrists. Further, such guidance is necessary in order to ensure that matters of spirituality and religion are not avoided in clinical practice when in fact they may need to be addressed for the benefit of the patient, but at the same time to ensure that a patient’s lack of religious or spiritual beliefs is equally respected.

Citation

Cook, C. (2013). Recommendations for Psychiatrists on Spirituality and Religion. Spirituality and Psychiatry Special Interest Group

• Report Type: Discussion Paper
• Publication Date: 2013-11
• Deposit Date: Nov 11, 2011
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 16, 2015
• Publisher: Royal College of Psychiatrists
• Publisher URL: http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/publications/collegereports/positionstatements.aspx
• Additional Information: Additional Information: Position Statement PS03/2011 Aug 2011; Publisher: Royal College of Psychiatrists; Type: monograph; Subtype: discussion_paper