The prevalence of mental health symptoms among outpatients in the United Arab Emirates

Objectives: Mental health research remains limited in the Arab world, leaving our understanding of the nature and extent of psychological problems inadequate. Further information is required to address treatment needs most effectively. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the nature and extent of mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, self-esteem, stress, alcohol use and eating attitudes as well as the level of social support in a sample of outpatients in the United Arab Emirates. Methods: Questionnaires were completed by 49 participants attending mental health services in Dubai. In addition to demographic data, standardized screens were used to measure anxiety, depression, PTSD, self-esteem, social support, perceived stress, alcohol use and eating attitudes. Results: Results suggested elevated levels of anxiety, depression, perceived stress, low self-esteem and PTSD symptoms. PTSD levels in particular were higher than expected. Anxiety and depression were correlated with higher PTSD and poor self-esteem. Lower selfesteem was linked to high perceived stress. Regression analysis revealed perceived stress was a significant predictor of PTSD.Conclusions: This study provides information on the psychological needs of a Dubai- based sample. Findings indicate potentially high levels of undiagnosed PTSD or a vulnerability to PTSD in a mental health non-trauma specific population. The research is limited by the small sample size and further large scale studies are required in mental health outpatient samples.