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scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

In his comment Desert Dawg says "As usual out of date."

Perhaps if he posted more, he could keep us au fait with developments. Come on Canine, give us the benefit of some of your insights into what is happening in your part of the Gulf !

Do not be shy.

Chiselpoint · Joined: 05 Dec 2013 Posts: 46

Are anti-depressants available?

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

My limited and out-of-date experience over 17 years was that in KSA anything that is seen as "psychotropic" is a NO-NO. That would include any medication that can be used as an anti-depressant.

desertdawg · Joined: 14 Jun 2010 Posts: 206

I worked in Abha with a large "mental institution" located in the town. How did they treat patients?

In your 17 years was nobody in KSA in need of psychiatric help?

I also worked in Dhahran. I went to a hospital for dental work. They had several psychiatrists there.

The misinformation on this board can be extremely dangerous.

It might not be a good idea for someone with a medical condition to come to KSA. However it is up to them to make that decision based on facts. And knowing the medical system in KSA is up to speed. Maybe if you are based in an isolated spot, then help wouldn't be available, but that is true in all countries.

Sorry to have a go at you Scot, but you are wrong

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

You will NOT get psychotropic medicine over the counter in KSA. You will have to see a psychiatrist.

Of course that is possible in KSA which has a very modern and up-to-date system of private and public hospitals. But bear in mind the stigma that is attached and how your employer is likely to react to your diagnosis.

I know something about Health Care in KSA - I had open heart surgery in one of the hospitals there. It was a quadruple by-pass in fact. I witnessed many colleagues over the years being treated for a variety of conditions - including what we used to call mental illness.

Mr Dawg, some courtesy ids called for. Imshi, ya kalb ibn kalb !

Maybe I should not have used big words like "psychotropic" in my misguided attempt to enlighten. I continually make the mistake of assuming that people who teach English will have a minimal standard of literacy.

desertdawg · Joined: 14 Jun 2010 Posts: 206

I too know about healthcare. I spent several years in KSA.

A lot of medication is not available over the counter. You see a doctor. Your employer need never know.

Do we share the problem of gout? I have never told employers of this, just incase it would prejudice my prospects. A disease with stigma attached, although my GP tells me it is genetic. I can happily get the medication either over the counter or after seeing a doctor.

I do have to look up some of the words you use Scot, I am ashamed to admit. However like a lot of your information they are outdated.

The reason I don't post too often is that I don't know all the answers. But to discourage people coming to KSA by misinforming is unacceptable.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

"Your employer need never know." Not as simple as you seem to think. Patient-doctor confidentiality is not a big thing in KSA. When you are off sick because you are barking mad, what is your doctor going to write on your medical line ? In most cases the doctor certifying your sick leave will be working for your employer and not for you.

If you have serious medical issues - especially psychiatric ones, KSA is not a wise decision. There is a huge stigma to any psychiatric issues for everyone involved. The solution for an employer is simple. "Terminate the mad foreigner. Send him home/"

Khalas, Al Ula ya akhi.