Doha: As part of its series of monthly “Open Day” lectures to raise awareness about mental health issues, the Psychiatry Department at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) will hold a public lecture today on the relationship between religion and psychiatry.
It will be held at 6pm at the department near The Center roundabout, and will be delivered by Dr Taher Shaltout, Senior Consultant of Psychiatry at HMC.
“There is a considerable overlap between religion and psychiatry, whether positive or negative. An example of a negative relationship between the two manifests in folk beliefs or superstitions which may impede or delay proper diagnosis and treatment, and make a patient’s recovery more difficult.
“These superstitions include belief in witchcraft or that an illness is the effect of jealousy or the work of fairies,” Dr Shaltout said.
“Instead of seeking medical attention, people who believe in these superstitions may employ incantations for patients suffering from severe psychological problems that need urgent treatment, such as schizophrenia, depression and mania.
“If medical treatment is not sought, these conditions may lead to severe complications,” he added.
Dr Hazim Hashem, Chairman of the Psychiatry Department, said lectures are delivered by physicians from the department to familiarise the public with psychological health issues and ways of coping with them and safeguarding their health.
“The event encourages discussions between the physician and the public, which allows the physician to get acquainted with specific challenges being faced by individuals, respond to their inquiries and help them enhance their mental health and that of their loved ones,” Dr Hashem added.
Dr Shaltout will welcome questions and comments from the audience after his lecture. The Peninsula
