Common Psychology and Psychiatry Concerns

Exploring common mental health disorders

Anxiety

Anxiety is the most diagnosed mental health disorder in adults. It can lead to feelings of stress, fear and apprehension, and can impact our home, work, and social life. Anxiety is a general term for several different disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. Anxiety should never be dismissed – always seek appropriate support as bouts of anxiety can last for months at a time, or longer, if not addressed.

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by a significant change in mood which affects energy and concentration levels. Adults with bipolar disorder experience periods of feeling very happy with lots of energy and periods of sadness with a lack of energy.

Depression

Whilst many adults will experience mood swings, depression is a longer term feeling of sadness, emptiness and anxiousness. Depression is very common and may leave you feeling hopeless, low in energy and with low self-esteem. If these feelings last for weeks or months, always talk to a mental health professional. Many people dismiss depression and don’t seek help. But with the right support, many people with depression recover fully.

Eating disorders

Eating disorders in adults go beyond our relationship with food and can be complex mental health issues. They can lead to obsessive behaviors and thoughts about food and body image, and lead to unhealthy eating habits. Common eating disorders include

• Anorexia nervosa: A condition in which the individual obsesses about the food they eat, typically leading to a very low body weight.
• Bulimia nervosa: A disorder characterized by overeating and then self-induced vomiting to control body weight.
• Binge eating disorder: Losing the ability to control food intake, hence frequent overeating which leads to discomfort.

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

OCD is a disorder in which a person experiences uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions), engages in repetitive behaviors (compulsions), or both. People with OCD have time-consuming symptoms that can cause significant distress or interfere with daily life.

Panic disorder

Panic disorder is characterized by a pattern of sudden and frequent panic attacks.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a mental health condition caused by a traumatic or triggering experience. It can cause severe stress, disturbed sleep, flashbacks, nightmares, sadness, fear, or irritability. Many people with PTSD relive the event frequently and avoid people and places associated with it. Seeking professional help and talking about PTSD can be hard but is vital to recovery.

Schizophrenia

A type of psychosis, schizophrenia is a long-term mental illness which can cause you to hear, see or believe things that are not real. It can cause a lack of interest in life, an avoidance of people, and a disconnection from emotions and feelings.

Prioritize your mental health

If a mental health concern is interfering with your daily life, or that of a loved one, always seek professional help. Our highly trained psychologists in Dubai are experts in the entire spectrum of metal health disorders. Book an appointment today.