Role of Spirituality in the Management of Major Depression and Stress-Related Disorders

摘要

Acknowledgement of the importance of religion and spirituality in medicine is increasing. Several studies have shown a predominantly inverse relationship between faith-based activities and psychiatric disorders.1 Chronic stress alters autonomic nervous system reactivity, and changes in the dopamine systems of people undergoing chronic stress have been well documented in the literature.2 In Figure 1, we hypothesize a model regarding the vicious cycle that exists between psychiatric disorders and chronic stress.