Can religiosity worsen a mental illness?

Question

My cousin is schizophrenic and a Christian. She suffers from visual, auditory and tactile hallucinations, and is a raging marijuana addict. She says that she reads the Bible and draws strength and hope from it, but at the same time she thinks that her faith may be making her illness worse, as she reports seeing devils and peoples' faces contort into demons. I know religion is sometimes part of treatment, but could it make the mental illness worse?

Answer 1

If it weren't her "religiosity" as you call it....it would be some other obsession. Remember, she is a schizophrenic first. That's a disease and she cannot help it. Schizophrenics will always find something to cling to. It's part of the disease. No, it's not worsening her symptoms, her symptoms are not being controlled by the medication she's on and that means she needs to see her doctor.

Answer 2

From what I've read about schizophrenia, being religious is part of the disease. In other words, most schizophrinics hear god speaking to them and have religious hallucinations. Sounds like your cousin has a dual problem with the marijuana thing going on at the same time. Many schizophrenics "self medicate" with alcohol or drugs. She really needs a doctor who does blood work as well as mental counseling. Some schizophrenia can be controlled with diet and drugs - if it is a chemical imbalance.

Answer 3

All we can do is speculate about this question. It's more of a philosophical question and unless someone has done a lot of statical research all we can do is give our opinion.
I had a sister in law that was schizophrenic and a born again christian. She went through similar experiences that you mention here. I also know that there are people who are schizophrenic and not religious but they still seem to gravitate towards religious hallucinations.
I think it might be a personal preference. If it helps someone then they should pursue it. If not then don't.
Sorry I can't be more help than this.

Answer 4

Religion could most definitely be making it worse. It's not the religion, however, that's the problem: it's the person using it to validate or explain their problems. If it's causing problems in your life, don't pursue it. Simple. Those with mental illnesses often cannot benefit from things in which others seek comfort.

My ex boyfriend has OCD, and when he started looking into religion, it was just another thing to obsess over.

I think it's important to help your cousin find comfort in total reality: what she can see, hear, touch.

Answer 5

Somepeople with schizophrenia turn to religion as a way for them to get rid of " the demons". However when the demons keep returning and things like that keep happening they may do more and more crazy things to get rid of them, and say that they got it from the bible or God told them to do it. In my opinion ( I'm not a doctor) I think that religion can be part of the problem because it makes a person feel like they are doing something for God or because it was in the bible and it can complicate their thought more than in the beginning. I feel sorry for your cousin. Good luck

Answer 6

i have OCD and have suffered with many facets of it over my lifetime. one of the hardest ones to get through was my religious obsession...which is called scrupulosity.it went on for several years and literally ruled my life. i felt compelled to pray every waking moment. i have a long story that i wont get into here but....i got to the point where i had a breakdown , and i had to step away from all forms of religion for a few years. i am just now getting back to where i am BEGINNING to open up to spirituality again...but i am VERY careful...knowing my tendancy to obsess.
this is a very difficult subject as it deals with deep personal life beleifs...and the sad truth that those beleifs can indeed be taken to a very unhealthy level (obviously exascerbated by any mental health issues) , and become unbeleivably destructive.
i feel for you and your family. all the best...