Dubai: There are not enough qualified doctors to treat the growing number of people with mental health issues in the UAE, a senior psychologist said.
Psychologists should be the first line of defence against mental illness, not the psychiatrist and [anti-depression] drugs, as is the case in the emirates, said Dr Layla Abdul Wahab Asamarai, head of the psychology section at Rashid Hospital.
She was speaking at the Mental Health Day commemorations on Saturday, October 9 at Mirdiff City Centre.
"Peoples' lives have become more stressful. The first line of defence [against mental anxiety] should be the family. But that is not happening enough and they [those afflicted] come to us," said Dr Layla.
Some mental health experts say that taking drugs for depression usually has long-term adverse effect on the health of the patient. Anxiety and depression among people in the UAE seems to be growing due to work pressures and other issues.
Many people complain that they also work longer hours. The psychologist said the out-patient clinic in the newly-opened section has been busy now that people have an option.
Doctors said there are about 180 specialists working in the various hospitals around the country and that the number is not enough. Many school and university students who feel the pressures of study do not have easy access to psychologists.
According to the World Health Organisation depression will be the leading cause of disability and death worldwide by the year 2020. It said that one in five persons experiences some mental disorder in any given year.
Dr Layla said "the stigma [against mental illness] is still there but we are trying to change the face of mental health".
The Saturday commemorations at Mirdiff City Centre include a Harley Davidson bike parade, Police Band performance and martial arts and yoga performances. The event is organised by the Community Development Authority and the Dubai Health Authority.
Do you agree with this? What more can be done to draw qualified psychiatrists to the UAE?
