objective : The research literature extensively indicate that religion often operates as strong protective factor against psychological and psychosomatic disorders. The ways of influence of religious beliefs and rites on psychological and psychosomatic disorders has not explored enough. The�present study aims at studying suicide ideation in patients with depression performing religious rites at different levels.�

  Method: This cross-sectional study were done on 66 patients with depression who referring to Toluo psychiatric and psychological clinic and Shafa psychiatric hospital in Rasht were selected by convenience sampling. Unstructured interview was used for diagnosing depression by psychologist based on DSM-IV-TR criteria and Beck Depression Inventory. The degree of performing religious rites by subjects was determined using a researcher-designed, self- administrated rating scale, and subjects assigned in two group of patients with depression performing religious rites strongly (N=33) and patients with depression performing religious rites weakly (N=33). In addition to Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Hopelessness Scale and Scale of Suicide Ideation were applied for assessing hoplessness and suicide ideation, respectively.

  Results: Statistical analysis by T-test showed no significant (/867) between two groups regarding degree of depression (/847). BW the degree of hopelessness (/034) and suicide ideation (/0005) BW there were significant dirences between two groups from view pe of the heyer of hopelessness and (0.034) suicide ideation (0.0005).

  Conclusion: We conclude that phenomenology of depression in patients strongly performing religious rites differ in terms of degree of suicide ideation and hopelessness with patients weakly performing religious rites.