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Open Access 04-01-2025 | Anxiety | REVIEW

Neurotheology: Practical Applications with Regard to Integrative Psychiatry

Author: Andrew B. Newberg

Published in: Current Psychiatry Reports

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Neurotheology is a nascent field of research and scholarship that seeks to understand the relationship between the brain and religious and spiritual phenomena. In the context of integrative psychiatry, neurotheology offers an intriguing intermediary between understanding how spirituality and religion affect brain function, and how this might be related to changes in mental health.

Recent Findings

A number of research studies over the years have observed that religious and spiritual beliefs, practices, and experiences can have a profound impact on a person’s psyche. Many times, the effects are positive leading to lower depression, anxiety and distress. However, there are times that religion and spirituality can lead to negative beliefs and behaviors. Neurotheology seeks to understand both the positive and negative effects of religion and spirituality on mental health from a brain perspective. In addition, neurotheology offers important philosophical insights into the nature of the human mind and how we perceive the reality around us.

Summary

This review evaluates these many topics as it considers how neurotheology can have practical applications with regard to integrative psychiatry.

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Title: Neurotheology: Practical Applications with Regard to Integrative Psychiatry
Author: Andrew B. Newberg
Publication date: 04-01-2025
Publisher: Springer US
Keyword: Anxiety
Published in: Current Psychiatry Reports
Print ISSN: 1523-3812
Electronic ISSN: 1535-1645
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-024-01584-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on adolescent vaping

Springer Medicine

Neurotheology: Practical Applications with Regard to Integrative Psychiatry

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recent Findings

Summary

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on adolescent vaping

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recent Findings

Summary

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