items of interest

with contributions from Janice Tibbetts, Susan Hogan/Albach, Bryant Stamford

"PSYCHIATRISTS SHOULD BE FORMALLY TRAINED in religion and spirituality to be better equipped to treat patients who find comfort and healing through religion, says a study published in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. While the majority of mental health patients report their need for worship, psychiatrists have traditionally distanced themselves from religion, two University of British Columbia researchers conclude. ...

"Unlike the United States, there is virtually no religious teachings in residency programs for psychiatrists across Canada, says the study, which surveyed the 16 Canadian hospitals that train psychiatrists. ...

"An earlier study published in the journal reported that religious worship helps reduce the severity of mental health problems, but the new research notes that the psychiatric community is divided on the need for doctors to be attuned to their patients' religious beliefs. Mandatory training in Canada is currently limited to four programs that provide one to four hours of teaching. In the United States, on the other hand, the American Psychiatric Association has changed its treatment guidelines to acknowledge that religious training should be included in residency programs, and hospitals have thus added mandatory courses."

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