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Phillips LL, Paukert AL, Stanley MA, Kunik ME. Incorporating religion and spirituality to improve care for anxiety and depression in older adults. Geriatrics. 2009 Aug 1; 64(8):15-8.
Recent research has suggested that religion/spirituality may be linked to improved physical and emotional health, although the patient's motivation and method of using religious/spiritual beliefs appear to be a key factor in obtaining benefit. Studies have shown that there is a high level of religion/spirituality among older adults in the United States and significant patient-reported desire to include such beliefs in health care settings. This article provides a brief overview of the support for considering religion/spirituality in the health care of older adults and reviews potential drawbacks and methods for providers to assess and use patient beliefs to improve anxiety/depression.