HMC Psychiatry Department to hold public lecture on Anxiety

Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Psychiatry Department invites clinical and healthcare workers, educators and members of the general public to its next Open Day at 5pm on Thursday, 15^th of September, at the Department of Psychiatry. 

The lecture and open discussion on the signs and symptoms of anxiety will be led by Ms Mariana Barrancos, whose areas of expertise include adjustment disorders, anxiety and depression, trauma and cultural diversity. 

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. Anxiety is one of the most common psychological disturbances. 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. 

HMC’s Psychology Supervisor, Marianna 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. Ms 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.