Frequently Asked Questions

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with a medical education who makes diagnoses and, when necessary, prescribes medication. A psychologist works only with psychotherapeutic methods and does not prescribe medication.

Genetics is very important in medicine, but it is not a verdict. A genetic predisposition should not frighten us; on the contrary, it should be taken into account and used correctly when planning treatment.

No. It is a combination of biological and psychological processes, just like diabetes or hypertension. Removing the stigma is the first step toward successful treatment.

The terms "treatment" and "cure" are often confused. Many conditions are fully curable, while for chronic processes modern management allows us to achieve stable remission.

Yes. Any information about a patient constitutes medical confidentiality. Information is disclosed to a third party only in the extreme cases provided for by law, or with the patient's own written consent.

No. In medicine a diagnosis is not a "label" but a working tool that helps the doctor choose the right treatment tactics. Many mental conditions are transitory (temporary), and after adequate treatment the diagnosis loses its relevance.

Modern antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs) do not cause narcotic dependence. They are discontinued gradually, under a doctor's supervision.

Drinking alcohol during treatment is not recommended, as it may intensify side effects or reduce the effectiveness of the medication.

Some medications may affect appetite, but modern medicine offers many alternatives that do not affect metabolism. The doctor always selects the medication individually.

No. The course of treatment is individual. In many cases, after the condition stabilizes, medication is gradually discontinued.

No. Medications act on symptoms (anxiety, insomnia, apathy) and not on your personal values. The goal of treatment is to return you to your natural state.

Treatment at our center follows the highest international standards. Medications that cause dependence (e.g. benzodiazepines) are used minimally.

The full effect of an antidepressant takes 2–4 weeks to appear, sometimes 6–8 weeks. In the first weeks sleep and appetite may improve, while mood improvement comes later.

During the first 1–2 weeks the following may appear: nausea, headache, insomnia or drowsiness, changes in appetite. These effects usually pass on their own.

No, it is categorically not recommended. Abrupt discontinuation may cause dizziness, flu-like symptoms, insomnia, anxiety, and a return of depression. Discontinuation must be done under a doctor's supervision.

Psychotherapy works at the psychological and behavioral level. Its target is thought patterns, emotional reactions, and behavioral habits. Therapy gives the patient tools so that they can cope with stress on their own.

Medication treats the organ (the brain), while psychotherapy treats the person. Our goal is not only to remove the symptom, but to restore the patient's quality of life.

It depends on the complexity of the problem. Short-term therapy (e.g. cognitive-behavioral) usually involves 8–16 sessions. Deeper, personality-oriented therapy may last for years.

Depression is not a weakness of willpower; it is a biological process related to an imbalance of neurotransmitters. It can happen to anyone.

An ordinary bad mood passes within a few days. Depression, however, lasts more than 2 weeks and is characterized by persistent low mood, loss of interest, sleep disturbance, changes in appetite, and loss of energy.

A mild depressive episode may go away on its own, but this is risky. Without treatment, depression often becomes chronic. 80% of patients fully recover with professional help.

Insomnia and depression are closely linked. 75% of patients with depression have sleep problems. Chronic insomnia can lead to depression.

An anxiety disorder is characterized by persistent, excessive worry; physical symptoms; and impairment of daily functioning. If anxiety lasts more than 6 months, see a specialist.

A panic attack is an acute episode of fear that peaks within 10–15 minutes. Despite the terrifying sensation, a panic attack is not life-threatening and is treatable.

Many people have intrusive thoughts to a small degree. However, if the obsessions are intrusive, cause great anxiety, and take up your time, this may indicate obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Hypochondria is a condition in which a person has an excessive fear of having some serious illness, despite normal test results.

An accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. For example, the treatment of depression differs radically from the treatment of the depressive phase of bipolar disorder.

Not necessarily. Difficulty concentrating may accompany depression, anxiety, thyroid problems, or insomnia. ADHD is a specific neurodevelopmental condition that requires complex diagnostics.

You should see a psychiatrist if you have been troubled by low mood or anxiety for more than 2 weeks; you have severe sleep disturbances; you experience panic attacks; or you cannot cope with daily activities because of your emotional state.

At any age, when necessary. A child psychiatrist works with patients from infants to adolescents.

Yes, absolutely. Medical confidentiality is protected by law. The doctor has no right to give anyone information without your consent.

Sleep is the brain's "restart." Its chronic lack is directly linked to increased anxiety, depression, and irritability.

The main signs are pronounced daytime sleepiness, a feeling of fatigue immediately upon waking, distractibility, and irritability.

For an adult, 7–9 hours of uninterrupted sleep is optimal. However, individual need is important.

A sudden acceleration of the heartbeat not accompanied by physical exertion is in many cases of psychogenic origin. During anxiety or a panic attack, a rise in adrenaline causes tachycardia (a faster heartbeat), which is not dangerous in itself but is a very alarming sensation. It is important to rule out cardiac causes, after which a psychiatrist can help you manage the anxiety.

The combination of these two symptoms is a classic manifestation of a panic attack. In response to stress, the body switches into "fight or flight" mode — the heart races, breathing becomes shallow, and a feeling of breathlessness appears. This is a functional (not organic) condition that responds well to treatment.

Yes, this is a common psychosomatic reaction. During stress the autonomic nervous system is activated, which changes the breathing pattern — breathing becomes shallow and rapid (hyperventilation). This in itself causes dizziness, numbness of the limbs, and increased anxiety. Breathing exercises and treatment of the anxiety effectively resolve the problem.

Chest pain is one of the most alarming symptoms. However, in people under 40 it is in most cases related to stress: muscle tension, hyperventilation, or a panic attack. A cardiac examination is necessary first, after which a psychosomatic cause can be identified and treated.

Stress and anxiety activate the sympathetic nervous system, which temporarily raises arterial blood pressure. Under chronic stress this process becomes permanent and increases the risk of true hypertension. In this case psychiatric treatment not only reduces anxiety but also protects cardiovascular health.

Behind insomnia there are often psychological factors: anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, or chronic stress. The brain "won't switch off," thoughts keep spinning, adrenaline does not drop. Insomnia in itself worsens the mental state — a vicious circle forms. Professional treatment (cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia, plus medication if necessary) is effective in 80–90% of cases.

A constant feeling of fatigue that does not pass with rest is often a sign of a mental condition. Depression, chronic stress, and professional burnout reduce energy at the physical level. It is important to rule out thyroid problems, blood-test abnormalities, and other organic causes, after which a psychiatric assessment will provide the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Waking at night (especially around 3–4 a.m.) and being unable to fall back asleep is a common symptom of depression and anxiety. A disrupted cortisol (stress-hormone) cycle causes early waking. Self-treatment with over-the-counter sleep aids will not solve the problem — the cause needs to be treated.

Suddenly waking from sleep with a feeling of fear, nightmares, or nocturnal panic attacks are often symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or generalized anxiety. The brain stays "alert" even during sleep, anticipating threats. EMDR therapy and specific medications effectively reduce these symptoms.

Absolutely. The gastrointestinal tract is called the "second brain" — it has its own nervous system that reacts directly to stress. Nervousness increases the secretion of hydrochloric acid and causes stomach spasms and nausea. Chronic stress can lead to gastritis or irritable bowel syndrome.

60–70% of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have a concomitant anxiety or depressive disorder. Stress activates bowel motility, causing bloating, pain, and diarrhea/constipation. Psychiatric treatment (low-dose antidepressants plus cognitive-behavioral therapy) effectively reduces both intestinal and mental symptoms.

Yes, nausea is a very common physical manifestation of anxiety. Stress activates the vagus nerve, which controls stomach function. As a result, nausea, loss of appetite, and a feeling of a "knotted stomach" appear. This symptom disappears after appropriate treatment of the anxiety.

Tension-type headache is the most common form and is directly related to stress. It is characterized by bilateral, pressing pain — a "band-like" sensation. A migraine, by contrast, is usually one-sided and pulsating, and is accompanied by nausea and light intolerance. Treating chronic stress significantly reduces the frequency of headaches.

Anxiety causes hyperventilation (excessively rapid breathing), which lowers the level of CO₂ in the blood. As a result, dizziness, weakness, and a "foggy" feeling appear. These symptoms themselves increase anxiety — the person is afraid of "losing their mind." It is important to rule out vestibular and neurological causes, after which treating the anxiety will remove the symptoms.

This paresthesia (a numb sensation) and tremor (trembling) are a frequent physical response during stress. As a result of hyperventilation, the balance of calcium ions in the blood changes, which causes numbness of the limbs, while a rise in adrenaline causes the trembling. These symptoms are entirely harmless, but an initial neurological consultation is recommended.

Stress sweating (unlike thermal sweating) mainly affects the palms, soles, and armpits. This is a normal result of activation of the sympathetic nervous system. However, if the sweating is a daily problem and interferes with social functioning, the cause may be social anxiety or generalized anxiety disorder.

Yes, this is one of the most common psychosomatic symptoms. Chronic stress causes constant tension of the trapezius and neck muscles, which causes pain, heaviness, and restricted movement. Massage and painkillers relieve the problem temporarily, but without treating the cause — stress — the pain returns.

This condition is known in the medical literature as "globus pharyngeus" — a sensation of something "stuck" in the throat that does not interfere with swallowing. In 96% of patients no organic cause is found. This symptom is closely related to anxiety, depression, and stress. Treating the anxiety usually makes this sensation disappear as well.

Concentration and memory problems are often a symptom of mental conditions, not an "age-related" process. Depression, anxiety, chronic insomnia, and ADHD all significantly impair cognitive function. The correct diagnosis and treatment significantly improve these symptoms.

Stress affects weight in both directions. Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which increases appetite (especially for sweet and fatty foods) and promotes the accumulation of visceral fat. On the other hand, acute stress and depression can cause a sharp loss of appetite and a drop in weight. In both cases, treating the underlying mental cause restores normal weight.