Delírios Religiosos e Esquizofrenia: Uma Revisão Sistemática

Abstract

Introduction: Research in the field of schizophrenia has progressed considerably in recent decades. However, there still remain significant gaps in the current knowledge on religious delusions, in the context of this illness. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review to assess whether the occurrence of these delusions translates into more severe symptomatology, with worse coping and prognosis of schizophrenia, comparatively to patients without religious delusions. Material and Methods: A literature search of the last 30 years was carried out in the MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and PsycINFO databases in order to identify observational studies that compare schizophrenic patients with religious delusions to those without said delusions. Results: This review is comprised of 5 studies. Results show that patients with religious delusions constituted the most religious group of patients, displaying more severe positive symptoms, less psychosocial functioning and higher prevalence of negative religious coping. On the other hand, the occurrence of these delusions did not impact the severity of the negative psychotic symptoms or the duration of illness. Discussion: Guidelines are needed to standardize the diagnosis of religious delusions, given the ambiguity in the studies. It is also relevant to systematically assess religiosity and spirituality in these patients, as well as enhancing medical-clerical cooperation, aiming towards a favorable outcome. Finally, an increase in the dose of antipsychotic medication might be considered, dependent on future investigations. Conclusion: Religious delusions bring about greater severity of the clinical picture of patients, who also display worse religious coping, thus predicting worse prognosis of schizophrenia.