Abstract
There is a need to address the spiritual needs of patients at different levels and this includes psychiatric care. This need is evidenced from recent Australian patient surveys that have been published. Using previous data and from their experience, the authors suggest what psychiatrists might and might not do in order that these issues are attended to in an ethical and sensitive manner. In considering the spiritual dimension of the patient the psychiatrist is then able to send an important message that he or she is concerned with the whole person. This message enhances the patient-physician relationship, which in turn is likely to increase the therapeutic impact of their interventions.
