Religiosidade e espiritualidade no transtorno bipolar do humor

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the relationship between Religiousness/Spirituality (R/S) and mood, quality of life, hospitalizations and severe suicide attempts among bipolar patients. Methods: In a transversal study among bipolar patients under ambulatory care (n=168), symptoms of Mania (YMRS) and Depression (MADRS), Religiousness (Duke Religious Index), Religious Coping (Brief RCOPE) and Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) were assessed. Socio-demographic data, number of suicide attempts and hospitalizations were obtained through an interview with the individual and analysis of medical records. Logistical and linear regressions of the association between the Religious indicators and clinical variables were carried out, controlling for socio-demographic variables. Results: 148 individuals mentioned some kind of religious affiliation (88.1%). Intrinsic Religiousness (IR) and Positive Religious Coping (RC) strategies associated to less depressive symptoms [respectively odds ratio (OR) = 0.19, 95% confidence interval (Cl) = 0.06 - 0.57, p=0.003 and OR= 0.25; Cl = 0.09 - 0.71, p=0.01]. Quality of life inversely associated with negative RC ([3= - 0.253, p=0.001) and directly associated with Organizational Religiousness (13= 0.188, p=0.019), Intrinsic Religiousness (13= 0.306, =p <0,001) and positive RC (13- 0.264, p= 0.001). Conclusions: Intrinsic Religiousness and positive RC are strongly associated with less depressive symptoms and better quality of life. Negative RC associated to worse quality of life. Religiousness is a relevant aspect which must be taken into consideration by physicians when assessing and guiding