DOHA: Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Psychiatry Department will host an open day to create awareness on anxiety related illnesses on Thursday. The event will include lecture and open discussion on the signs and symptoms of anxiety, led by Mariana Barrancos, Psychology Supervisor, HMC, whose areas of expertise include adjustment disorders, anxiety and depression, trauma and cultural diversity. The event, at 5 pm on September 15, is open to clinical and health care workers, educators and to the public. Anxiety is one of the most common psychological disturbances. Frequent symptoms of anxiety may include excessive worries and fear, nervousness, irritability, shortness of breath, insomnia, a racing heartbeat, nausea, dizziness, and shaking, amongst others. Symptoms of anxiety may manifest as gastrointestinal problems, insomnia, headaches which increase the patient’s level of discomfort. In addition, anxiety disorders may coexist with other psychological disturbances, such as depression and an increased risk for substance abuse. Barrancos, will lead the discussion on the signs and symptoms of anxiety and how to understand the multiple risk factors of anxiety symptoms. In her lecture, she will describe different types of anxiety disorders, treatment options and healthy strategies to help people manage anxiety. Barrancos, who has a Masters in Social Work from New York University, has practiced as a Psychologist in Argentina in governmental agencies and in private practice. Her institutional work focused on the prevention and treatment of multiple forms of abuse, trauma and emotional deprivation in children, adolescents and adults. This lecture organized by HMC’s Psychiatry Department is part of a series of open days held on the second Thursday of each month throughout 2011, which aim to educate the public on various aspects of mental illness and mental health. The Peninsula

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