Mental Health and Quality of Life in UAE MS Patients

MS in the UAE: Population Estimates of Anxiety, Depression and Health-Related Quality of Life

A study of 121 people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the UAE found elevated rates of depression (36.6%) and anxiety (32.5%) compared to global averages. Anxiety significantly impacted health-related quality of life (HRQOL), as measured by the European Quality of Life Scale (EQ5D3L), while depression did not. Most participants reported some (62%) or extreme problems (12%) in HRQOL dimensions. The findings emphasize the need for routine mental health screening and integrated care for UAE’s young MS population to address these challenges effectively.