Belief in caring god 'improves response to medical depression treatment'

People with clinical depression who believe in a caring god show a better response to medical treatment, according to new research.

A study by researchers at Rush University Medical Center found that people who believed in a caring god responded better to medical treatment for some mental health conditions.

The study examined 136 adults who had major depression or bipolar depression. Each patient was surveyed shortly after admission for treatment and eight weeks later, using the Beck Depression Inventory, the Beck Hopelessness Scale, and the Religious Well-Being Scale.

According to the study, participants who scored in the top third of the Religious Well-Being Scale were 75 per cent more likely to get better with medical treatment for clinical depression.

Patricia Murphy, PhD, a chaplain at Rush and an assistant professor of religion, health and human values at Rush University, said: "In our study, the positive response to medication had little to do with the feeling of hope that typically accompanies spiritual belief. It was tied specifically to the belief that a Supreme Being cared."

Earlier this week, research published in the journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology said acupuncture could help pregnant women suffering from depression.