THE INFLUENCE OF SPIRITUALITY ON CLINICAL PRACTICE IN MENTAL HEALTH: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Objective: This study reviewed the scientific articles published over the last ten years making reference to the influence of spirituality in care and treatment of mental patients. Material and Methods: This is an integrative review based on searches carried out in the databases SciELO, MEDLINE and LILACS using the intersection of the descriptors "mental health" and "spirituality." Results: We found 522 articles, of which 20 were part of the sample. The survey revealed that: (i) there was a higher production in 2007 accounting for 40% of all searches; (ii) increased production of research derived from literature review (55%); (iii) low production of articles in Portuguese, totalizing 8.4% (44) of the 522 studies found. The articles addressed the use of spirituality as a technical approach of mental health in clinical practice, the relationship between spirituality and mental health, the position of the theme "Mental Health and Spirituality" on the world scenario and, finally, assessment instruments. Conclusion: The articles have shown the importance of spirituality in mental health and the positive outcomes of the integration of spirituality into clinical practice as a mental health strategy, thus confirming the need for professional training, development of new care strategies and further research addressing this topic. DESCRIPTORS Mental Health. Spirituality. Spiritual Therapies.