From promise to practice: artificial intelligence in mental health care in the MENA region
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By
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Sara El Hajj
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Ahmad Nsouli
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Mohamad Wehbe
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George Saad
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Fadi T. Maalouf
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July 15, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Advancing Implementation: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health Services in the MENA Region
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Mental Health Disorders |
| Key Mechanisms | Artificial Intelligence applications including large language models and psychotherapy chatbots. |
| Target Population | Adults in the MENA region experiencing mental health disorders. |
| Care Setting | Mental health services in the MENA region. |
Key Highlights
- Mental health disorders affect up to 40% of adults in the MENA region.
- Treatment gaps range from 80-95% due to various barriers.
- AI tools can provide scalable support but face cultural and linguistic challenges.
- User acceptance is influenced by stigma and privacy concerns.
- AI should complement human oversight in mental health care.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Utilize AI for anonymous screening and early identification of psychological distress.
Management
- Incorporate AI-driven tools for psychoeducation and low-intensity interventions.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Implement continuous monitoring of AI tool effectiveness and user engagement.
Risks
- Address potential psychological harms and ensure clinical oversight.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Individuals with mental health disorders in the MENA region.
AI tools can enhance access but must be culturally and linguistically appropriate.
Clinical Best Practices
- Ensure AI tools are supervised by human clinicians.
- Adapt AI systems to local cultural contexts and dialects.
- Incorporate ethical monitoring frameworks for AI use.
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