Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by extreme fluctuations in mood, energy, and behavior. A person with this condition experiences periods of:
● Mania or Hypomania: feeling extremely energetic, overly active, highly confident, and rapid in speech or decision-making.
● Depression: experiencing deep sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, fatigue, poor concentration, and sometimes negative thoughts about oneself.
These episodes can last days or weeks and may recur throughout life in varying patterns, affecting the person’s daily life.
Treatment requires consultation with a specialist or therapist and typically involves a combination of medications (such as mood stabilizers and antipsychotics), psychotherapy (like cognitive-behavioral therapy and family therapy), and a healthy lifestyle, including regular sleep, exercise, avoiding stimulants, and adhering to prescribed treatment.
2. What is an anxiety disorder?
Anxiety disorder is a mental health condition in which a person feels excessive and persistent fear or tension that is disproportionate to the actual situation and affects daily life. It differs from normal anxiety that everyone experiences because, in this case, the anxiety is intense, long-lasting, and may occur without a clear reason.
Common symptoms include:
● Persistent feelings of tension, fear, or excessive worry.
● Rapid heartbeat and difficulty breathing.
● Sweating, trembling, and dry mouth.
● Difficulty concentrating or feeling like the mind is blank.
● Sleep disturbances (insomnia or restless sleep).
● Sometimes physical symptoms such as stomach pain or dizziness.
3. What is adjustment disorder, and how can it be treated?
Adjustment disorder occurs when a person has difficulty adapting to a new situation, leading to feelings of sadness, anxiety, or frustration that affect daily life. It is a disproportionate or excessive psychological response to a stressful event or major life change, such as the loss of a loved one, separation, moving to a new environment, or losing a job.
This disorder is treated through psychotherapy, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and emotional support, with the possible temporary use of anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications, in addition to social support and a healthy lifestyle to help the person adapt and reduce stress.
4. What is an Eating Disorder, and when does it become serious?
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions related to food and body image, where a person has an unhealthy relationship with eating or with their body. The most common types include:
● Anorexia Nervosa: an intense fear of gaining weight that leads to extreme food restriction.
● Bulimia Nervosa: episodes of excessive eating followed by behaviors to get rid of the food, such as vomiting or fasting.
● Binge Eating Disorder: consuming large amounts of food uncontrollably, without attempts to purge afterward.
The condition becomes serious when it severely affects physical or mental health, such as extreme weight loss or gain, heart problems, severe depression, suicidal thoughts, or difficulty performing daily activities.
5. What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – PTSD is a mental health condition that can affect a person after experiencing a traumatic or life-threatening event, such as serious accidents or natural disasters, physical or sexual assault, or wars and violent conflicts.
This disorder leads to persistent and distressing memories of the traumatic event, which may recur as nightmares or sudden flashbacks.
Common symptoms include:
● Disturbing and repeated memories of the traumatic event.
● Avoidance of anything that reminds the person of the event.
● Persistent feelings of anxiety or tension.
● Sleep disturbances and recurrent nightmares.
● Heightened alertness and quick irritability.
