As in most Middle Eastern countries, Palestinian culture retains a traditional explanation of mentally disordered people. The common belief is that mental disorders are mainly attributed to one of two explanatory models. The second explanatory model is that mental disorders are neuro-biological disturbances that need chemical treatment. Because mental ill- health is highly stigmatized, sufferers usually seek the help of traditional healers or present their psychological complaints in the form of physical symptoms. These attitudes may not be expressed freely, but they constitute a major obstacle to the development of rational mental health services.
Mental health is one of the least developed areas in the Palestinian health system.
Health professionals considered mental ill health simply as madness. Its care had no prestige. Priority was given to organic and infectious diseases, which spread amongst the population and caused many deaths, especially among children. When the intifada erupted in 1987, the mounting psychological problems passed undetected by primary health care professionals. Consequently, the question of mental health was brought up and received increasing attention after the intifada.