Psychiatrist & Psychologist

Psychiatry and psychology are complementary mental health specialties. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who assess and diagnose mental health conditions and can prescribe medication when clinically appropriate. Clinical psychologists focus on psychological assessment and evidence-based therapy. At HealthPlus, these disciplines support people experiencing emotional, behavioural, attention, developmental and mental health concerns.

Symptoms and concerns that may need mental health assessment

Mental health concerns can affect emotions, thinking, behaviour, relationships, school or work. Signs may include persistent anxiety or low mood, panic, severe mood changes, loss of interest, sleep or appetite changes, difficulty concentrating, impulsivity, repetitive thoughts or behaviours, social or communication difficulties, unusual beliefs or perceptions, and problems coping with stress.

Children and adolescents may also show changes in behaviour, learning, attention, emotional regulation, sensory responses or speech and language development. Thoughts or acts of self-harm require prompt professional attention. If someone is in immediate danger, seek urgent emergency care rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

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Causes and Risk Factors

Mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions rarely have one single cause. Genetic, biological, developmental, psychological and social factors can interact with life experiences, physical health, sleep, stress, relationships and environment.

Conditions such as ADHD and autism spectrum disorder are neurodevelopmental conditions, while depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and psychotic disorders have different combinations of risk factors. A careful assessment helps distinguish a mental health condition from temporary distress and identify other medical, developmental or social factors that may be contributing.

Diagnosis and assessment

Assessment starts with understanding the person rather than assigning a label. A psychiatrist or clinical psychologist may review current symptoms, medical and mental health history, medications, development, family history and the effect of symptoms on daily functioning.

Depending on age and the concern, assessment may include clinical interviews, validated questionnaires, behavioural observation and information from parents, caregivers or school. Areas that may require assessment include anxiety and mood problems, ADHD/ADD, autism spectrum disorder, behavioural disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, executive-functioning difficulties, learning difficulties, OCD, psychotic disorders and schizophrenia, self-harm, sensory-processing concerns, speech and language difficulties, and stress-related problems.

Assessment also helps determine whether medical tests or input from another specialist may be appropriate.

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Psychiatry & Psychology treatment options

Treatment depends on the diagnosis, symptoms, age, severity, health history and individual goals. It may involve psychological therapy, psychiatric treatment or a combination of approaches.

Psychiatry

A psychiatrist can assess complex mental health symptoms, make a medical diagnosis and prescribe and monitor medication when appropriate. Psychiatric care may be used for conditions including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, OCD, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.

Clinical psychology

Clinical psychology uses psychological assessment and therapy to help people understand and manage thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Depending on the individual and treatment goals, therapy may draw on approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or Dialectical Behaviour Therapy techniques.

For developmental, learning, sensory or speech and language concerns, assessment may also identify when additional specialist evaluation is needed.

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When should you see a psychiatrist or psychologist?

Consider seeking professional support when emotional, behavioural or attention difficulties persist, become distressing, interfere with school, work, relationships or daily life, or are difficult to manage independently. Assessment is also appropriate for significant mood changes, suspected ADHD or another developmental condition, psychotic symptoms, eating difficulties, or recurrent thoughts of self-harm.

Why choose HealthPlus for Psychiatry & Psychology in Abu Dhabi?

HealthPlus brings consultant psychiatry and clinical psychology together at its Diabetes & Endocrinology Center in Abu Dhabi. The current team includes Dr. Rasha Abbas, Consultant Psychiatry, whose clinical interests include anxiety and mood disorders, ADHD, OCD, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, and Sara Alsafadi, Clinical Psychologist, whose expertise includes anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma and psychological therapies.

This combined approach allows patients to be assessed for the type of support most appropriate to their needs.

Dr. Rasha Abbas, Consultant Psychiatry

Sara Alsafadi, Clinical Psychologist

HealthPlus Diabetes & Endocrinology Center

Book an Appointment

If mental health, emotional or behavioural concerns are affecting you or someone you care for, book an appointment with a HealthPlus psychiatrist or psychologist in Abu Dhabi for an individual assessment and treatment plan.

Book an Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

HealthPlus currently lists Consultant Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology at the HealthPlus Diabetes & Endocrinology Center in Abu Dhabi. Patients can request appointments through the HealthPlus website. The current directory lists Dr. Rasha Abbas as Consultant Psychiatry and Sara Alsafadi as Clinical Psychologist.

HealthPlus Diabetes & Endocrinology Center

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