An Evaluation of Psychiatrist View Towards the Mental Health Services in Saudi Arabia

ObjectivesTo evaluate and descriptive in nature, the current issue of mental health services in Saudi Arabia, this study examined the influence of areas; awareness, roles, aims, effectiveness, referrals, and personal development, and individuals level characteristic among psychiatrists’ in Saudi Arabia.MethodsThe questionnaire for this study was used from January 2008 to April 2009. In addition, the sample were (n = 158) psychiatrists. Demographic data, gender, age, nationality qualification and experience were compared between four Mental Health hospitals in Saudi Arabia.ResultFrom total of 158 Psychiatrists, 90% have a very strong awareness of their aims and objectives, while, no statistically significant differences were found related to gender, age, nationality, qualifications, and experience. It has found that significant different between psychiatrists in their roles and responsibilities, clinical out-come, and personal developments (P = 0.00).ConclusionThis study demonstrate the significant different among psychiatrists, in four mental health hospitals. Psychiatrists saw their roles and responsibility, referral system and effectiveness as not being clear and they are supporting the idea of having more training and qualifications.