Mental Health Care in Kuwait
摘要
Mental health care in Kuwait has undergone significant evolution over the past century, transitioning from traditional healing methods rooted in religious and cultural practices to a more structured, institutionalized healthcare system. This chapter outlines the historical development of psychiatric services in Kuwait, emphasizing key milestones such as establishing the first mental hospital in the 1950s, the post-Gulf War recovery, and implementing the Mental Health Act of 2019. It explores the current landscape of mental health services across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, highlights epidemiological data on the burden of mental disorders, and identifies challenges, including workforce limitations, infrastructure gaps, and persistent stigma. The chapter also discusses emerging strengths such as improved policy frameworks, increased public awareness, and international collaborations, concluding with strategic recommendations for future service expansion, integration, and reform. Kuwait’s experience underscores the complex interplay between cultural, legal, and systemic factors in shaping mental health care delivery in the Gulf region.