Mental Health Care In Saudi Arabia

I don't know about those meds specifically but several antidepressants ARE available over the counter with no prescription required. I know 100% that Prozac and lexapro are available OTC as I have friends taking them.

I cannot help with psych care here as I have no experience. Good luck!

I am sorry to hear about your condition. As for psychiatric healthcare in KSA it's incomparable to western countries. That's like comparing Beethoven's symphonies to a one hit wonder such as Bruce Willis' “Respect yourself”.

I would STRONGLY advice you not to come to the Middle-East to work if you are enduring depression, anxiety and ADHD. I have known of expats(American) that have come to Riyadh who were on medication for psych disorders. They have imploded, by collapsing under the pressure of living in Saudi. Their pre-existing condition could not sustain living in a society which is very different than in the West. I know there is a lock down unit near the Specialized Hospital, as some foreigners have been placed there then escorted back to the States. Unfortunately in Saudi Arabia mental health is swept under the carpet, so to speak. However the good news, it is slowly changing due to the enormous amount of patients enduring depression. My partner informed me that many of his patients  are presented to him for some condition, yet they are really there because of suffering from depression and anxiety. That is 65% of his female patients. Figures like this cannot be ignored and the government is now doing something about it; yet slowly.

Stay home and when you are better, come to beautiful Saudi Arabia. The very best of luck to you.

Thank you, Susan. I'm sure glad I was able to ask about this before I decided to come to Saudi Arabia.

You are very welcome.

If you wish to drop me an email for any other help in relation to your condition, please free to make contact.

In this culture, Muslims believe that if you pray, and pray hard, Allah will heal you (although taking medication is quite common and, as Xenolol said, it can be bought over the counter).

The one advantage Saudis have is extended family support.  Expats, on the other hand, are often on their own, strangers in a strange land, under a great deal of stress.  Because of a lack of mental health professionals (or even the acknowledgement that they are needed), this not a good place to be if you have any mental health issues.

Best of luck.

Totally agree with you. :)Well said Allicat.

If your depression is a seasonal depression great brightness in Saudi Arabia can help. But if it's from another cause, living here is not good for you.
most antidepressants are bought over the counter in pharmacies here. sleeping pills and anti-anxiety drugs require a prescription.
European consulates and embassies have lists of knowledgeable  specialists. You can contact them or visit their websites.

i think i saw a psychiatric clinic near the old airport road or at tahaliya street..or if you want i can ask my friends who's working in some hospitals here if they have psychiatric doctor..

There's another aspect:  if word gets out (and trust me, there are no HIPA type confidentiality requirements here), people will talk and it will be a black mark against you on your job. They just aren't as understanding here as at home.

"there are no HIPA type confidentiality requirements here" yes I agree with Alliecat

Hi,

I know its an old post, but can anyone advise on a good psychiatrist in riyadh?

You can visit Consulting Clinics, Dr. Mohammed Gamal.

I strongly disagree about the part that we underestemate mental care in Saudi Arabia, about the praying part I've been praying since ever to get a million riyal but i haven't   received  it yet so i know let me rephrase that we know that  god doesn't work that way so i know its late but there is one of the biggest centers in riyadh the capital and this is their phone number if you still considering working in saudi its ***.

You can buy basically whatever you want over the counter, even mental health medications.  Good luck finding a good  mental health practitioner here though, that'll be your real challenge...doesn't exist.