Objective: The article gives an overview over the relevance of religiousness for mental health.
Methods: After a short terminological introduction some characteristics of the demographic situation of religion in the Federal Republic of Germany are presented, and the differences to the situation in the US are discussed. Furthermore, chosen results of empirical studies about the connection between religiousness and health are summarised, and the possible modes of working of this connection are explained.
Results: There is some evidence, that religion might be a possible resource for mental health in many cases, while some forms of religious beliefs also might have an impairing, destructive potential. The more religious someone is, the more relevant are his beliefs for his health.
Conclusions: An attitude of openness and consideration, knowledge about the relations between religion and mental health, and ideological competence allow a sensible exploration of patients' religious beliefs, a cautious integration of religious issues and, if possible, the use of the beliefs as a resource for treatment. Thereby, medical caregivers should be aware of the limitations of their treatment.