Dr. Samer Makhoul, Consultant Psychiatrist

06/09/2026

Do we really need to completely disconnect from the world to achieve mental clarity and wellbeing?

I was pleased to join Sky News Arabia for a discussion around silence, meditation, mindfulness and our increasingly stimulating digital lives.
We explored the potential benefits of intentionally creating periods away from constant stimulation, social media and excessive electronic-device use, and how mindfulness and moments of silence may help us reconnect with our thoughts and emotions, improve focus and support relaxation.
At the same time, it is important to distinguish between evidence-based practices that support mental wellbeing and the increasingly popular concept of an extreme “mental detox.”

There is no need for prolonged isolation, extreme fasting or complete withdrawal from everyday life to benefit from mindfulness or meditation.
The goal should be balance — creating moments of quiet, reducing unnecessary screen and social-media use, practising mindfulness, while maintaining meaningful human connection and a healthy daily routine.
As psychiatrists, we have a responsibility to distinguish between popular wellness trends and approaches supported by evidence-based psychiatry and scientific research.
Mental wellbeing does not always require extreme solutions. Sometimes, simply creating a little more silence, being present in the moment and stepping away from constant stimulation can be a valuable part of a healthier lifestyle.

12/08/2026

We take immense pride in being pioneers as the region's inaugural "Esketamine Centre of Excellence," led by the most experienced psychiatrists in the area. This groundbreaking treatment offers hope to numerous patients, particularly those with Treatment-Resistant Depression, within our state-of-the-art facility at Reem Neuroscience Centre. this year is special as we are reaching the 6th anniversary for this breakthrough treatment here in Abu Dhabi and the region.

Once again this year, Reem Neuroscience Centre in Abu Dhabi extends a warm invitation to healthcare professionals across the region to deepen their understanding of esketamine's role in managing Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This event serves as a valuable platform for enhancing patient care, as our expert team shares their knowledge, insights, and successful strategies in utilizing esketamine for MDD management. We are excited to embark on this educational journey together.

The utilization of Esketamine nasal spray for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) represents a novel and innovative approach to addressing mental health challenges. With its rapid onset, high efficacy, and minimal side effects, Esketamine has been a cornerstone of our treatment approach for nearly four years.

We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to share further data and positive outcomes from our esteemed Centre of Excellence in the coming years after publishing multiple publications about our experience so far with an excellent work led by Dr. Nawfel Ayad

15/07/2026

Can money buy happiness?
This question returned to the global conversation after Elon Musk's recent comments, prompting an important discussion about what science actually tells us.
I recently had the opportunity to discuss this topic on Sky News Arabia, exploring the relationship between wealth, happiness, and psychological wellbeing from both psychiatric and neuroscientific perspectives.
Research consistently shows that while money can improve quality of life by reducing financial stress and helping meet our basic needs, it is only one part of the equation. Long-term wellbeing is also shaped by meaningful relationships, a sense of purpose, physical and mental health, gratitude, and psychological resilience.
As psychiatrists, we often see that financial success and emotional wellbeing do not always go hand in hand. Understanding the distinction between the two can help us make choices that support a healthier, more balanced, and ultimately more fulfilling life.
I hope you find the discussion interesting, and I would be delighted to hear your thoughts.

مقابلة مع الدكتور سامر مخول، استشاري الطب النفسي في مركز الريم نيور...

28/06/2026

Does Seasonal Affective Disorder really exist, or is it just an excuse for feeling low during the winter months? What do you think?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) remains a topic of debate among the public, yet it is a recognised subtype of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, most commonly occurring during autumn and winter when daylight hours become shorter. Reduced exposure to sunlight is thought to disrupt the body's circadian rhythm and alter serotonin and melatonin regulation, contributing to changes in mood, energy, sleep, and concentration.
Although more common in countries with long, dark winters, Seasonal Affective Disorder can affect people living in sunnier regions as well. It is an important but often under-recognised mental health condition. The good news is that effective treatments are available, including light therapy, psychological therapies, lifestyle interventions, and medication when appropriate.
Sharing an earlier interview on Sky News Arabia, where I discussed the science behind Seasonal Affective Disorder, addressed some of the common myths surrounding it, and highlighted the importance of recognising its symptoms early so that people can access effective treatment and support.
🎥 You can watch the full interview below.

https://youtu.be/IawttbJkrqo?si=z4YIpf8E3zKoIGj-

SeasonalAffectiveDisorder #...

27/06/2026

Looking back at one of the webinars I had the privilege of delivering, I was reminded of how important it is to support people's mental wellbeing during times of uncertainty and trauma.

It was an honour to speak with employees about understanding the psychological impact of traumatic events, recognising normal stress reactions, building resilience, and knowing when to seek support. These conversations are just as important as any business strategy—because behind every organisation are people, and people need to feel supported to thrive.

Thank you to the organisers for creating space for such an important discussion and for prioritising employee wellbeing. I hope the session provided practical tools and reassurance during a challenging time.

25/06/2026

There are moments in medicine that remind us just how far we have come.

I recently had the privilege of being part of the GCC launch of the new twice-yearly paliperidone depot injection( ByANNLI) for schizophrenia in the beautiful Kingdom of Bahrain.

As I reflected on this milestone, I couldn't help but think back to my days in medical school. If someone had asked me then whether we would ever see a time when a person living with schizophrenia could potentially maintain stability with just two injections a year, I would have smiled and said, "That's science fiction. We will never see that in our lifetime."

Yet here we are.

Advances like this are about much more than convenience. They have the potential to improve adherence, reduce relapse, lessen the burden on patients and families, and support individuals in leading fuller, more independent lives. While medication is only one part of comprehensive schizophrenia care, innovations such as long-acting treatments represent a remarkable step forward in our field.

It was an honour to witness and contribute to this exciting chapter alongside colleagues from across the GCC. Here's to continued innovation and to giving our patients every opportunity to live with dignity, stability, and hope.

15/06/2026

One of the things I am most proud of following yesterday's 5th edition of Dialogues in Mental Health is not simply the success of the conference itself, but seeing the outstanding engagement of our team from Reem Neuroscience Centre .
Whether through presenting, moderating discussions, sharing expertise, or actively participating in the scientific sessions, our colleagues demonstrated the professionalism, passion, and commitment to excellence that define our centre.
Mental healthcare is a team effort. The quality of care we provide to our patients is built upon continuous learning, collaboration, and a shared desire to improve outcomes. Seeing so many members of our team contributing academically and engaging with experts from across the region was a reminder of how fortunate I am to work alongside such talented and dedicated professionals.

I would like to thank every member of the Reem Neuroscience Center team who attended, presented, supported, or contributed to the conference. Ahmed Al Uzair, Rana Abounakad Medhat Elsabbahy Nawfel Ayad Emad Farrag NIda Abusaid Bobby Sebastian Noura Alhammadi. Your enthusiasm for advancing mental health care and your commitment to lifelong learning continue to elevate our service and strengthen our reputation as a centre of excellence.

Special recognition goes to those who presented their work and shared their expertise with colleagues and peers (Emad Farrag & Nawfel Ayad). By contributing to scientific dialogue and advancing knowledge, you are helping shape the future of mental healthcare in the UAE and beyond.

I am incredibly proud of what we are building together at Reem Neuroscience Centre , and I look forward to many more achievements as a team.

14/06/2026

It was a privilege to co-chair the 5th edition of Dialogues in Mental Health yesterday at the Conrad Dubai alongside my dear friend Dr. Joseph R. El-Khoury .
One of the unique aspects of this conference series is our commitment to focusing each year on an important mental health topic that is often under-recognised or insufficiently discussed, despite its significant impact on patients, families, and healthcare systems.

This year's conference focused on the critical transition from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services to Adult Mental Health Services—a period that presents unique clinical, developmental, and service-related challenges, yet remains an area that deserves far greater attention within our field.

The conference brought together an outstanding group of experts, clinicians, and mental health professionals for a day of engaging discussions, knowledge sharing, and practical insights aimed at improving outcomes for young people navigating this important stage of care.

My sincere thanks to all the speakers, attendees, sponsors, and organisers whose contributions made this event such a success. The quality of the discussions and the commitment shown by everyone involved reflect the growing momentum and innovation within mental healthcare across our region.
A special thank you to Dr. Joseph R. El-Khoury for his partnership in this meeting and to everyone who contributed to another successful edition of this important conference.

As mental health professionals, it is our responsibility not only to address today's challenges but also to shine a light on areas that have historically received less attention. I look forward to continuing these important conversations in future editions of Dialogues in Mental Health.

19/05/2026

At the American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting 2026 in San Francisco, we presented a poster exploring the use of intranasal Esketamine in patients with treatment-resistant depression and other psychiatric disorders who were concurrently maintained on long-acting injectable aripiprazole.

To our knowledge, this is among the first reports in the literature describing the clinical experience of combining Esketamine treatment with long-acting antipsychotic medication in a real-world setting.

Our retrospective analysis included patients with complex and chronic psychiatric conditions, including major depressive disorder and bipolar depression, many with significant psychiatric comorbidities. The findings demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in depressive and anxiety symptoms, while importantly showing no evidence of mood destabilisation or significant safety concerns during treatment.

This work highlights the importance of exploring innovative and individualized treatment strategies for patients with difficult-to-treat psychiatric illnesses.

I would especially like to acknowledge the outstanding work and dedication of Dr. Nawfel Ayad, whose continued clinical and academic contributions have been instrumental to this project and to the broader work we are doing. It was a pleasure to present this together.

This presentation reflects the growing contribution of the UAE to international psychiatric research and highlights the important clinical and academic work being undertaken at Reem Neuroscience Centre in collaboration with United Arab Emirates University . We are proud to contribute our experience to the global psychiatric community and look forward to continuing to share meaningful research and innovation from the region with the world. الله يحفظ الإمارات 🇦🇪

30/03/2026