Mindfulness-based approaches show promise for reducing stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms and improving emotional regulation, resilience, and psychological well-being in Saudi Arabia. A scoping review of 44 peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025 found mindfulness applied across mental and physical health, education, workplace, and cultural settings. Both clinical and non-clinical populations, including students, healthcare professionals, and people with chronic health conditions, reported benefits. However, most studies used cross-sectional designs, self-report measures, and short-term interventions, limiting the strength of conclusions. More rigorous, longitudinal, and culturally adapted research is needed.
Cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of psychosis. A retrospective chart review of patients hospitalized for a psychosis episode over five years at the American University of Beirut Medical Center found that cannabis users were more likely to be young single males who also used other substances. Frequent cannabis use was linked to a higher likelihood of paranoia and legal problems, but other psychotic symptoms, length of hospital stay, and duration of the psychotic episode did not significantly differ between frequent cannabis users and non-users. Family stressors and a family history of psychotic disorder were associated with a higher likelihood of personal history of violence.
In a sample of fifty male users of synthetic cannabinoids in Upper Egypt, most were adolescents and young adults (68% aged 15–<35). Curiosity was the most common motivator for use. Alteration of perception occurred in 68% of subjects; dizziness, loss of consciousness, convulsion, and panic attacks were also reported. Cardiovascular effects included palpitations (76%) and chest pain (12%). Half reported financial problems and about one-third (32%) experienced domestic violence. Abnormal lab findings included anemia (12%), leukocytosis (10%), elevated liver enzymes (8%), and elevated kidney function (4%); 22% were positive for hepatitis C and 4% for HIV. The authors conclude that adolescents are the most common users and that neuropsychiatric, cardiovascular, and violence-related harms are associated with synthetic cannabinoid abuse.