STM Article Repository

Background: The Development of mental health care has become a major concern in Saudi Arabia. The mental health care in any country is definitely affected by the cultural and religious background of that country.

Aims: This review aims to overview the impact of culture and religion in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on mental health care.

Methods: It is a comprehensive rather than systematic review, tracing different study designs. Inclusion criteria included studies that discussed the Saudi mental health care systems and the impact of religion and culture on the mental health care in Saudi Arabia.

Results: This review has spotlighted many aspects of Saudi culture and religion and its influence on the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric illness.

Conclusion: It was concluded that mental health care should be understood in this context, and it should be delivered in a way that is respectful of long-held sacred traditions and belief systems.