engleski

Efficacy of combined psychopharmacotherapy and religious support in treating suicidality

Background: Suicidality can be observed from several different perspectives: psychiatric, sociologic, culturological, ethical, religious and many others. Neither of those on their own can provide truly meaningful answers and only by using a multidisciplinary approach can we answer complicated questions like: “What leads to suicidality?”, “What is the meaning of suicidality for the patients and their families?”, “How to prevent suicide?” Goal: We will present the case of a patient treated for depression during the last two years. During that time he has been treated with properly prescribed psychopharmacotherapy taken for a medically sufficient period of time and in adequate therapeutic doses. Despite of that, persistent suicidality proved to be treatment refractory. Patient, due to his Islamic religious beliefs sought advice and support from a religious leader because of his ideas and their potential “mortal sin” consequences. Results: Synergistic action of psychopharmacotherapy and religious support proved to be efficacious in treating suicidality. Discussion: What part did psychopharmacotherapy have in successful treatment outcome and what part did religious help? Furthermore, how long will this combined treatment prove to be efficacious in treating suicidality? Conclusion: Efficacious treatment of suicidality in this case was achieved by combining and integrating different therapeutic possibilities.

psychopharmacotherapy, religious support, suicidality

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