Balancing indications for hospitalization and legal consideration: Moving from problems to solutions: A culturally sensitive debate review in Middle East and Arab world

Abstract

Objective This article is a reflection of 15 years of human rights legislation and advocacy focused on improving the lives of people with mental disorders in the Middle East and the Arab region. It presents the pros and cons of deinstitutionalization taking into account the experience of health systems in other countries. Consideration is given to both: the doctor’s expertise and the patient’s perspective, their values, personal experience and lifestyle choices. The purpose of this article is to advance the integration of people living with mental disorders in the community through the facilitation of an environment that enables them to achieve the maximum degree of functional independence and the highest possible quality of life, preserving their dignity. Materials and methods Relevant databases were searched (Medline, PubMed, and Cochrane library of systemic reviews and clinical trials) with the following Mesh terms: “CRPD,” “chronic psychiatric hospitalization,” “Arab Mental Health systems,” and “Mental health laws.” Recent articles published were prioritized. Conclusion Research in the area of chronic psychiatric hospitalization and its effect on the course and prognosis of mental illness is still scarce, especially in the Arab world. This article aimed to open the door for future discussions studying the pros and cons of the different indications of hospitalization and the legal considerations. The aim is to shed light on best practices for maximizing dignity for every person, promoting functional independence and ensuring the highest possible quality of life.