Blocking mu-opioid receptors inhibits social bonding in rituals.

Religious rituals are universal human practices that play a seminal role in community bonding. In two experiments, we tested the role of mu-opioids as the active factor fostering social bonding. We used a mu-opioid blocker (naltrexone) in two double-blind studies of rituals from different religious traditions. We found the same effect across both studies, with naltrexone leading to significantly lower social bonding compared with placebo. These studies suggest that mu-opioids play a significant role in experiences of social bonding within ritual contexts.

The relationship between happiness and intelligent quotient: the contribution of socio-economic and clinical factors.

BACKGROUND: Happiness and higher intelligent quotient (IQ) are independently related to positive health outcomes. However, there are inconsistent reports about the relationship between IQ and happiness. The aim was to examine the association between IQ and happiness and whether it is mediated by social and clinical factors. Method The authors analysed data from the 2007 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey in England. The participants were adults aged 16 years or over, living in private households in 2007. Data from 6870 participants were included in the study. Happiness was measured using a validated question on a three-point scale. Verbal IQ was estimated using the National Adult Reading Test and both categorical and continuous IQ was analysed. RESULTS: Happiness is significantly associated with IQ. Those in the lowest IQ range (70-99) reported the lowest levels of happiness compared with the highest IQ group (120-129). Mediation analysis using the continuous IQ variable found dependency in activities of daily living, income, health and neurotic symptoms were strong mediators of the relationship, as they reduced the association between happiness and IQ by 50%. CONCLUSIONS: Those with lower IQ are less happy than those with higher IQ. Interventions that target modifiable variables such as income (e.g. through enhancing education and employment opportunities) and neurotic symptoms (e.g. through better detection of mental health problems) may improve levels of happiness in the lower IQ groups.

Electroencephalographic changes in rats received antigens of different parasites.

The prevalence of epilepsy in developing countries is much higher than in developed ones. Some of the highest prevalence rates in developing countries have been reported from tropical Africa where parasitic infections are endemic. This work was carried out to assess the effect of different parasitic antigens on the activity of cerebral cortex in rats. Nine crude antigens were used: Adult Fasciola, adult S. mansoni, hydatid cyst, T. spiralis, E. histolytica, Acanthamoeba spp. G. lamblia, Cryptosporidium spp. and crude antigen of T. gondii. All the parasitic antigens induced electroencephalographic changes compared with baseline tracings.

Does being religious help or hinder coping with chronic illness? A critical literature review.

This paper reviews a number of studies relating to religion and coping with chronic illness, emphasizing those aspects relevant to palliative care. After pointing out that religious and existential needs are common in chronic illness, a critical examination is made of those studies which purport to demonstrate associations between spiritual beliefs, religious practices and psychological prognosis. Recommendations are made as to how religious issues can be dealt with in clinical practice, with particular relevance to the multidisciplinary palliative care team.

The effectiveness of words: religion and healing among the Lubavitch of Stamford Hill.

Testimonials of miraculous healing offered by Lubavitch Hasidim evoke images of exile and restitution which derive from Kabbalistic texts. Mediated practically through the person of the Rebbe, these testimonials articulate both immediate affliction and ultimate meaning, physical embodiment as well as symbolic representation, each constituting the other. Both Kabbalah and medical anthropology attempt to transcend not dissimilar epistemological dualisms: those characteristic of monotheism and contemporary science. Yet the 'lower root' of Kabbalah affirms a material reality known through immediate sensory experience which recalls the rationale of biomedicine.

Making sense of 'possession states': psychopathology and differential diagnosis.

Possession is a common manifestation of distress in a multicultural setting. It is increasingly likely to be encountered by mental health professionals who may be unaware of the phenomenon. A review of the literature is presented with clinical guidelines for a culturally sensitive assessment and management.

Asians presenting to a sex and marital therapy clinic.

This paper presents the findings of a retrospective analysis of the clinic registration forms and case files of Asian attenders of a sex and marital problems clinic over a three year period. An age/sex matched English control group was selected for comparison. Diagnoses, presenting patient complaints, sociodemographic characteristics, time between referral and first attendance and outcome of therapy were examined. Our samples of Asian and English attenders of equal educational and occupational status, when examined as two populations, did not differ in terms of diagnoses, sociodemographic characteristics, time from referral to first attendance and outcome of therapy. Differences in presenting complaints reflected individual unique evaluations of changed sexual functioning. There were, however, clearly problems for the Asian group related to differences of language and culture. It may be that our population of Asians was too heterogenous to enable a valid demonstration of these differences between English and Asian samples.

The management of illness by a Filipino psychic surgeon: a Western physician's impression.

A number of different conditions, both physical and psychological, are managed by a psychic surgeon in Urdanetta, North Luzon, Philippines. Apart from 'operating', psychic surgery involves injections, prayer and manipulation. During 3 months of fieldwork patients were examined clinically to establish baseline measures of suffering as well as to confirm the diagnosis of the psychic surgeon. The nature of a psychic operation, spiritual injection and manipulation was then identified. Efficacy was crudely assessed by post operative measurement of suffering and satisfaction. Overall it was found that psychic surgery did influence illness. Whether it affects the underlying disease remains uncertain.

Letters to the Rebbe. Millenium, messianism and medicine among the Lubavitch of Stamford Hill, London.

The Lubavitch are a group of Hasidic Jews living in Stamford Hill, London N16. After a description of their lifestyle and the importance of the Rebbe in the community, this paper examines their concepts of the body, health and healing based on Kabbalistic teachings. For this group healing involves both control of sickness and the correction of spiritual disorder associated with it: the Rebbe plays a key role in the latter. The paper ends by discussing the extent to which conversion of religious groups results in any form of healing. (See Glossary for translation of Jewish words.)