Question 1

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Is mental illness genetic?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Is mental illness shameful?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Is it possible to fully cure a mental health problem?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Is confidentiality protected?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

"Is a diagnosis a label that will stay with me for life?"

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Do antidepressants cause dependence?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Can I drink alcohol during treatment?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

Will I gain weight while taking medication?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 10

Will I have to take medication forever?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 11

Does medication change one's personality?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

What medications are used for treatment at your center?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

How long does an antidepressant take to start working?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

What side effects do antidepressants have?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

Can an antidepressant be stopped on one's own?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

What is psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Psychotherapy or medication?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

How long does a course of psychotherapy last?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

Does depression affect "strong" people?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 20

How do I know whether I have depression or am just in a bad mood?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 21

Can depression go away on its own?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 22

What is the connection between insomnia and depression?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 23

What is an anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 24

What is a panic attack and is it dangerous?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 25

Is an obsession always a disease?

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 26

What is hypochondria?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 27

Why is an accurate diagnosis necessary?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 28

Does attention deficit always mean ADHD?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 29

When should I see a psychiatrist?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 30

From what age can a child be taken to a psychiatrist?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 31

Is a visit to a psychiatrist confidential?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 32

How does sleep affect mental health?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 33

What is the main sign of poor-quality sleep?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 34

How many hours of sleep is normal?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 35

Why does my heart race for no reason?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 36

Heart palpitations and shortness of breath — what could be the cause?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 37

Difficulty breathing during stress — is it normal?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 38

Chest pain when nervous — is it a heart problem or stress?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 39

A rise in blood pressure when nervous — why does it happen and what should I do?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 40

I can't fall asleep at night — what could be the cause?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 41

Chronic fatigue — why am I constantly tired?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 42

I wake up at night and can't fall back asleep — what should I do?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 43

Waking up startled from sleep — why does it happen?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 44

Stomach pain when nervous — can it be caused by stress?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 45

Irritable bowel syndrome and stress — what is the connection?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 46

Nausea during anxiety — is it normal?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 47

Headache from stress — how do I distinguish it from a migraine?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 48

Dizziness and weakness — what is the connection with anxiety?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 49

Numbness and trembling of the hands and feet — why does it happen during stress?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 50

Excessive sweating during stress — is this normal?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 51

Neck and shoulder pain from stress — can it be psychosomatic?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 52

A constant "lump in the throat" — what is this sensation?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 53

I can't concentrate and my memory has worsened — is this normal?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 54

Weight gain or loss during stress — why?

Accepted Answer

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.

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