Neural Correlates of the Effect of Prayer Therapy on Depression in Adults with Childhood Adversity
Peter Boelens, M.D. MPH, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi
The scientific paper, The Neuronal Correlates of The Effect of (Christian) Prayer Therapy on Depression in Adults with Childhood Adversity, documents the marked effect that prayer, a metaphysical process, has on brain activity, a material process, as measured by fMRI brain imaging. The changes in neuronal conductivity were demonstrated as individuals clinically moved from depression to mental health. The state of wellness was maintained for one year by participants without any personal study contact.
The areas of brain change were diffuse and located in the regions of emotional and cognitive regulation. The origin of depression in these subjects was in childhood, characterized by severe and protracted adversity. Studies have demonstrated how childhood adversity potentiates not only developmental difficulties in the child but mental and physical health problems in adults, such as depression, anxiety, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, etc. This adversity—for many children—may cause a DNA methylation on the neuro-specific promoter region of the glucocorticoid receptor gene in the hippocampus of the brain, causing a decreased gene expression resulting in increased cortisol concentration that is detrimental to neuronal growth. These epigenetic effects are intergenerational. Importantly, the hippocampus is one of the brain regions impacted by these prayers.
The above findings have caused the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Harvard Center for Child Development to rethink their preventive approaches because numerous diseases and disorders in both children and adults find their origins in early childhood adversity.
The prayers effecting these changes were prayers of forgiveness and psycho/spiritual healing. Lay (non-clergy) individuals with an experiential closeness to God can be educated and trained to pray these prayers.
This study opens the door for discussion about how the church can become a participant in halting childhood adversity, addressing the needs of those experiencing childhood adversity, and responding to people experiencing the effects of this adversity later in life.
The scientific paper, The Neuronal Correlates of The Effect of (Christian) Prayer Therapy on Depression in Adults with Childhood Adversity, documents the marked effect that prayer, a metaphysical process, has on brain activity, a material process, as measured by fMRI brain imaging. The changes in neuronal conductivity were demonstrated as individuals clinically moved from depression to mental health. The state of wellness was maintained for one year by participants without any personal study contact.
The areas of brain change were diffuse and located in the regions of emotional and cognitive regulation. The origin of depression in these subjects was in childhood, characterized by severe and protracted adversity. Studies have demonstrated how childhood adversity potentiates not only developmental difficulties in the child but mental and physical health problems in adults, such as depression, anxiety, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, etc. This adversity—for many children—may cause a DNA methylation on the neuro-specific promoter region of the glucocorticoid receptor gene in the hippocampus of the brain, causing a decreased gene expression resulting in increased cortisol concentration that is detrimental to neuronal growth. These epigenetic effects are intergenerational. Importantly, the hippocampus is one of the brain regions impacted by these prayers.
The above findings have caused the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Harvard Center for Child Development to rethink their preventive approaches because numerous diseases and disorders in both children and adults find their origins in early childhood adversity.
The prayers effecting these changes were prayers of forgiveness and psycho/spiritual healing. Lay (non-clergy) individuals with an experiential closeness to God can be educated and trained to pray these prayers.
This study opens the door for discussion about how the church can become a participant in halting childhood adversity, addressing the needs of those experiencing childhood adversity, and responding to people experiencing the effects of this adversity later in life.