Characterisation of treatment resistant mood disorder patients in the United Arab Emirates

There is paucity of mental health epidemiological data from the Middle East. Therein we present detailed clinical characterization of mood disorders patients from a university tertiary clinic established in the United Arab Emirates. The majority of patient experienced depressive and anxiety symptoms largely in the moderate range according to both self-rated and clinician rated scales, accompanied by significant co-morbidities, functional impairment, mild reduction in cognitive function, and a significant ruminative thinking style. These preliminary findings support the need for larger-scale research in the Middle East to address the burden of poor mental health affecting communities.