United Arab Emirates University
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology

United Arab Emirates University
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy – DBT?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy – DBT is a type of psychotherapy based on the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – CBT, but it focuses specifically on helping people who experience intense emotions that are difficult to control, such as anger, anxiety, or deep sadness. DBT aims to achieve a balance between self-acceptance and positive change by teaching practical skills, such as:
● Emotion regulation: Managing strong emotions effectively.
● Distress tolerance: Coping with difficult situations without engaging in impulsive behaviors.
● Mindfulness: Increasing awareness of the present moment.
● Interpersonal effectiveness: Improving relationships and communicating effectively with others.
This therapy is commonly used for disorders such as Borderline Personality Disorder – PBD, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders, and it has been shown to improve quality of life and reduce self-harming behaviors.

2. What is Borderline Personality Disorder – BPD, and what are its types?
Borderline Personality Disorder is a chronic mental health condition characterized by instability in emotions, relationships, behavior, and self-image. Individuals with BPD often experience intense and rapid mood swings, difficulty controlling emotions, a strong fear of abandonment or rejection, and impulsive behaviors that can sometimes be harmful.
Types of BPD:
● Impulsive Type: Characterized by impulsivity, thrill-seeking, anger outbursts, or risky behaviors.
● Discouraged (Depressive/Dependent) Type: Tends to rely heavily on others, feels worthless, and experiences depression.
● Petulant Type: Marked by fluctuations between anger and sadness, intense jealousy, and difficulty trusting others.
● Self-Destructive Type: Inclined toward self-harm or engaging in harmful behaviors driven by internal pain or guilt.

3. What is the difference between Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)?
● Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive and persistent worry about everyday life, accompanied by muscle tension, difficulty concentrating, and interference with daily activities.
● Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Develops after exposure to a severe trauma, featuring intrusive distressing memories, sleep disturbances, and heightened arousal and reactivity.
● Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): Persistent fear of social situations or performing in front of others, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as sweating or hand trembling, affecting social interaction and work.

4. What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that affects a person’s thinking, emotions, and behavior. It may cause delusions, hallucinations, or abnormally disorganized thinking. There is no definitive cure for schizophrenia, but medication, psychological support, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – CBT can help manage the symptoms. Therefore, continuous care and social support are very important for improving the patient’s quality of life.

5. What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by repeated and intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that cause anxiety, such as fear of germs or the need to arrange things perfectly. To relieve the anxiety caused by these obsessions, a person may engage in compulsive behaviors (compulsions), such as constant hand-washing or repeatedly checking things. With appropriate treatment, symptoms can be significantly reduced and quality of life improved, although the disorder often does not completely disappear.