To determine the extent of psychiatric morbidity among Arab schoolchildren with asthma in the United Arab Emirates, we surveyed a stratified community sample of schoolchildren (6-13 years) using the Rutter questionnaire (teachers' and parents' versions). Comparisons were made between children with asthma and controls matched for age, sex, and school. About 16 per cent of children with asthma were simultaneously reported by parents and teachers to show significant psychopathology. Rates of disturbance were significantly higher in asthmatics than controls. Unexpectedly, the psychopathology was predominantly of the behavioral type. Cultural factors may account for this unconventional feature.