Keywords

chronic illness, cognitive-behavioral therapy, depression, religion, spirituality

 

Authors

  1. Koenig, Harold G.

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article examines the impact of depression on patients, reviews research on the relationship between religious involvement and depression, and explores the potential role of religious cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in the treatment of depression in chronic illness. A randomized clinical trial at Duke University is examining the effectiveness of religious CBT versus conventional secular CBT in the treatment of major depression in patients with chronic illness. A validated religious psychotherapy intervention may provide nurses new strategies for helping chronically ill patients with depression.