Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients with dissociative disorders in an Arabian society

ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to determine the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients with dissociative disorders among psychiatric patients in the population of the United Arab Emirates. Six hundred inpatients with dissociative disorders were approached during the period 1997-2003, and 468 agreed to participate in the study. These patients were recruited from Al-Ain and Tawam Teaching Hospitals and Al-Jahili Primary Health Care Centers in Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates. The study is based on a questionnaire that included sociodemographic and clinical variables. Dissociative disorders were diagnosed according to the classification set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [DSM-IV] and the International Classification of Diseases [ICD-10] of the World Health Organization. Of the 468 patients studied, the majority [67.9%] were young, under the age of 25 years; 55% were UAE nationals, 59.4% female and 40.6% male. Disorganized movement was significantly lower among females [34.2%] than males [44.2%, p < 0.03]. Disapproving of the key relative behaviour was higher in females [24.1%] compared to males [13.2%]; comorbid anxiety was higher in females [37.4%] vs. males [25.3%]. Disturbed relationships were more common in females [40.3%] while precipitating factors, such as intolerable stressful events, were significantly higher in males [42.6%, p < 0.01]. Furthermore, males [20.5%] had a significantly higher history of similar episodes and other psychiatric illnesses [7.5%] than females. Finally, females [41%] showed more statistically significant improvements compared to males [29.5%, p < 0.001]. Patients under 25 years of age suffered more from dissociative disorders with no correlation to educational level as a predisposing factor. The most common symptoms were fits or unorganized movements