Incorporating religion and spirituality to improve care for anxiety and depression in older adults
Phillips, L.L.; Paukert, A.L.; Stanley, M.A.; Kunik, M.E.
Geriatrics 64(8): 15-18
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 0016-867X PMID: 20722312 Document Number: 632091
Recent research has suggested that religion/spirituality may be linked to improved physical and emotional health, although the patient's motivation and method of using religious/spiritual beliefs appear to be a key factor in obtaining benefit. Studies have shown that there is a high level of religion/spirituality among older adults in the United States and significant patient-reported desire to include such beliefs in health care settings. This article provides a brief overview of the support for considering religion/spirituality in the health care of older adults and reviews potential drawbacks and methods for providers to assess and use patient beliefs to improve anxiety/depression.