Religious activity and religious delusions in schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder

Introduction Religious delusions are a common symptom in patients with schizophrenia. They can be more difficult to treat than other delusions because they are usually held with more conviction [1], which makes them of great clinical relevance. Religious delusions occur in between one-fifth and two-thirds of patients with delusions [2]. Cross-cultural differences may provide a partial explanation, but it seems likely that individual socio-demographic variables, particularly the extent of personal religiosity, as well as genetic factors, may also play a role. Objectives To assess the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and religious activity in patients with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder with religious delusions followed and hospitalised at the Arrazi psychiatric hospital in Salé. Methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study using a questionnaire including socio-demographic criteria, clinical criteria and questions about religious activity by grouping patients into 5 categories: (1 = no religious affiliation, 2 = religious affiliation, but not actively religious, 3 = religious affiliation, somewhat active activity, 4 = religious affiliation, moderately active activity, 5 = religious affiliation, very active activity) to assess the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and religious activity in patients with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder with religious delusions followed and hospitalised at the Arrazi psychiatric hospital in Salé. The inclusion criteria were as follows: both sexes with a diagnosis of schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder according to DSM 5 criteria and having a mystico-religious delusion. The exclusion criterion was severe intellectual disability. Results A total of 109 patients were collected. Approximately 85% were male. Most had an average socio-economic status. 67% lived with their families and 15 were homeless. About 89% were unemployed. About 78% of the patients were hospitalised and most had poor compliance. All patients had mystico-religious delusions, most thought they were prophets or angels, 10 believed they were God. Fourteen patients thought they were Al Mehdi AL montadar, 2 said they were the Holy Spirit. 22 had a delusion of possession. 77% had Islam as their religion, 12% Christianity and 11% no religious affiliation. About half of the patients had a religious affiliation but were not actively religious. Very active religious subjects were 3 times more likely to suffer from religious delusions than subjects with no religious affiliation. Conclusions Our data suggest that a high level of personal religious activity appears to be one of the risk factors for the onset of religious delusions. A high level of religiosity appears to increase the risk of developing religious delusions. Further research is needed to examine the relationship between religiosity and religious delusions. Disclosure of Interest None Declared