Spirituality/Medicine Interface Project

Spirituality and Depression: A Look at the Evidence

Authors: Harold G. Koenig, MD

Abstract

Depression is one of the strongest predictors of suicide, especially when accompanied by hopelessness.1 People often commit suicide when they perceive that there is no way out of an intolerably painful situation, or when they see no purpose or meaning to a life of seemingly unending suffering. Depressive illness can itself make people feel this way, and depression is very common among patients for whom medical clinicians care. Studies of medical inpatients have reported rates of depression approximating 50%.2

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