The essence of understanding psychopathology as a scientific study of mental illness alongside other psychosocial disorders is to help shed light on approaches to coping with life challenges and the capability of individuals to function efficiently. The conceptualization of various manifestations of mental health disorders informs the concept of psychopathology (Barlow et al., 2022). The focus on exploring problems attributed to mental illness and psychological disorders is to help develop and envision evidence-based research to help understand symptoms and types of mental health disorders to devise appropriate treatment. Therefore, understanding the relationship between mental illness and religion helps gain a conclusive understanding of psychopathology and its relevance in the provision of treatment and health promotion for underlying mental illness and associated psychological disorders.
The relationship between mental illness and religion emerges as complex and dynamic, especially based on the sense that religion contributes to an increased prevalence of anxiety and, at the same time, instils positivism and solace in the believers. Active involvement in religion may either increase the faith of believers or decrease their passion for following the doctrines of religion, which helps explain the concern of fear and guilt (American Psychological Association, 2019). The multidimensional nature of mental illness and religion defines the relationship between mental illness and religion as individuals experiencing severe episodes of mental illness may seek help in religious communities for guidance and for purposes of releasing distress. For instance, the case study of a 44-year-old white Australian man reveals that the patient had no option but to turn to a religious community to seek treatment (Shea, 2016). Therefore, the relationship between religion and mental illness is guided by faith or the belief in the divine intervention of religious doctrines, and extreme cases of mental illness, as outlined in the case study, call for the intervention of a psychiatrist or mental health treatment.
The concept of religion and mental illness is classified as psychopathology as it involves the consideration and the study of extreme cases in which mentally ill individuals may be misguided to seek therapeutic services in churches and religious communities instead of seeking psychiatric help. The case study of a 44-year-old white Australian man informs us of the relevance of the subject of psychopathology in an attempt to address issues attributed to psychological problems and mental health disorders (Barlow et al., 2022). Given the application of DSM5 criteria regarding the assessment of mental health, it is imperative to diagnose a mentally ill patient by having a close look at the common signs and symptoms of mental illness and disorders (Shea, 2016). For instance, the focus on the aspect of temperamental, environmental and genetic factors associated with a mental health disorder helps envision the relevance of DSM5 criteria in diagnosing and finding the requisite treatment for mental illness.
The focus on the application of evidenced-based research and health promotion helps popularize the nature of the relationship between mental illness and religion. For instance, making an effort to reach out to religious communities can help psychopathologists gain comprehensive knowledge on understanding the prevalence and severity of mental illness (Barlow et al., 2022). Also, evidence-based research, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), plays a significant role in finding and providing effective treatment to the targeted patients (Shea, 2016). Therefore, the essence of alleviating mental illness through scientific knowledge of psychopathology helps improve quality of life and encourages positive thinking.
In conclusion, the concept of mental illness and religion is classified as psychopathology as it advocates for an understanding of why mentally ill individuals always turn to religion to seek guidance and attain positivism in their lives. However, the extreme cases of mental illness signs and symptoms should be diagnosed to help understand the severity of the psychological condition of targeted patients to help eliminate incidences of anxiety disorders alongside other mental health disorders. Psychiatrists and religious leaders should focus on the pattern of behaviours exhibited by target patients to help shed light on the relevance of seeking therapeutic services and the impact of religion on improving mental health.
References
American Psychological Association. (2019). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). ISBN: 9781433832154
Barlow, D. H., Durand, V. M., & Hofmann, S. (2022). Psychopathology: an integrative approach to mental disorders. (9th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Shea, S. C. (2016). Psychiatric interviewing: The art of understanding: A practical guide for psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, social workers, nurses, and other mental health professionals. Elsevier Health Sciences.
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