Objective:

To adapt and implement enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-E) for eating disorders in the Middle Eastern context, specifically within the UAE, considering cultural factors such as Ramadan fasting and family dynamics.

Key Findings:

• Eating disorders are prevalent in the Middle East and North Africa, contrary to the belief that they are solely Western conditions, with significant implications for treatment accessibility.
• Cultural adaptations to CBT-E improved treatment acceptability and patient engagement, as evidenced by increased participation rates.
• Family involvement was expanded to reflect cultural norms of interdependence, enhancing support systems for patients.

Interpretation:

Culturally informed adaptations of evidence-based treatments like CBT-E are essential for effective implementation in non-Western contexts, addressing unique sociocultural factors that influence treatment outcomes.

Limitations:

• The study is based on the UAE context, which may not be representative of the entire MENA region, potentially limiting the generalizability of the findings.
• Further feasibility studies are needed for broader application in lower-resource or conflict-affected settings, which may present different challenges.

Conclusion:

Culturally tailored CBT-E can enhance the delivery of eating disorder treatments in the Middle East, highlighting the need for expanded mental health services in underserved regions, supported by evidence of improved patient outcomes.