Adil Farooq - Psychiatry Magazine

Deluded vs. Delusional: The Difference, Signs & Types

Human thinking is incredibly complex. Sometimes, people misinterpret reality in small, harmless ways, and other times, their beliefs disconnect far from what is real. This is where the terms deluded and delusional often come in — but many people use these words incorrectly or interchangeably. Understanding them is especially important in psychology, mental health awareness, […]

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Why Anxiety Gets Worse at Night: How to Ease Sleep Anxiety

Blog / Adil Farooq

Struggling with anxiety at night can feel incredibly isolating. Your body is tired, your eyes are heavy, the world around you is quiet—yet your mind is wide awake, racing, worrying, replaying, spiraling. Nighttime anxiety is one of the most common issues people face, and it often becomes a vicious cycle: anxiety keeps you awake, and

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Bipolar I vs II Mania: Symptoms, Stages & Severity

Clinical Insights / Adil Farooq

Bipolar disorder is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions. Many people assume bipolar disorder is simply about mood swings, but in reality, it involves complex shifts in energy, sleep, behavior, thinking patterns, and emotional regulation. The condition appears in different forms—primarily Bipolar I and Bipolar II—and the most important distinction between them lies

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Non-Epileptic Fainting: Causes, Symptoms & Triggers

Clinical Insights / Adil Farooq

Non-epileptic fainting or blackouts are far more common than many people realize. People who experience these episodes often describe a sudden loss of awareness, a feeling of disconnect from the world, or collapsing unexpectedly—sometimes without warning. These events can be extremely frightening, especially when they happen repeatedly or without an obvious medical cause. Many individuals

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Traumatic Reminders: Types & Effective Coping Strategies

Psychological disorders / Adil Farooq

Trauma affects far more than the moment an event takes place. For many people, the emotional, psychological, and physical impact of trauma does not end after the event is over; it continues to show up in everyday life through trauma reminders—cues that unexpectedly bring back memories, sensations, or emotions connected to past pain. These reminders

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What Causes Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES)?

Clinical Insights / Adil Farooq

Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES) are seizure-like episodes that look very similar to epileptic seizures but are not caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Instead, they are triggered by psychological factors, especially stress, trauma, emotional conflict, or overwhelming internal pressure. PNES is categorized under Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (Conversion Disorder) in psychology. The person

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Conversion Disorder: 10 Key Symptoms Explained

Psychological disorders / Adil Farooq

Conversion disorder—now officially known as Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FNSD)—is a complex psychological condition in which emotional stress or psychological conflict is expressed as real, neurological-like symptoms, even though medical tests show no neurological disease. The symptoms are not imagined, not fake, and not intentional. They are real, distressing, and often confusing for both the

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Mania vs Hypomania Symptoms: The Differences

Clinical Insights / Adil Farooq

Mania and hypomania are two conditions that sit on the same emotional spectrum, yet they are significantly different in intensity, impact, and risk. Both involve elevated mood, increased energy, and unusual activity levels, but their consequences can vary from mildly disruptive to extremely dangerous. Understanding these differences is crucial for anyone trying to recognize mood

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Moral Injury Explained: Theory, DSM-5 & Treatment

Mental Health Awareness / Adil Farooq

In recent years, moral injury has become an increasingly important topic in psychology, mental-health care, trauma studies, healthcare, and military research. Unlike physical wounds or even traditional psychological trauma, moral injury describes a deep inner conflict—a wound to a person’s moral framework, values, or sense of right and wrong. It occurs when someone feels they

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Racing Thoughts Mania: How to Recognize and Manage It

Clinical Insights / Adil Farooq

Living with bipolar disorder or supporting someone who experiences manic episodes can feel confusing, overwhelming, or even frightening—especially when symptoms escalate quickly. One of the most intense and disruptive experiences during mania is racing thoughts: a mental storm where thoughts move so rapidly that it becomes nearly impossible to focus, rest, or even speak at

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ERP Therapy: Treatment for OCD and Anxiety Disorders

Therapies / Adil Farooq

Introduction In today’s fast-paced world, anxiety and intrusive thoughts can quietly take over a person’s daily life. Many people experience moments of intense fear, doubt, or the need to repeat certain behaviors to feel “safe” or in control. For individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) or related anxiety disorders, these patterns can become overwhelming. One of

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Types of Intelligence: Theories and Models in Psychology

Mental Health Awareness / Adil Farooq

Introduction: The Evolving Concept of Intelligence Intelligence has long been regarded as one of the most complex and debated constructs in psychology. From its early measurement through standardized IQ tests to contemporary theories emphasizing multiple forms of cognitive ability, the definition and nature of intelligence have continued to evolve. Psychologists, neuroscientists, and educators alike have

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What Is Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)?

Therapies / Adil Farooq

Introduction: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapeutic approach that combines principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness practices. Developed in the 1990s by Zindel Segal, Mark Williams, and John Teasdale, MBCT was initially designed to help prevent relapse in individuals with recurrent depression. Over time, its applications have expanded to include

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Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treatment, Therapy & Medication

Psychological disorders / Adil Farooq

Introduction: Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common and often chronic mental health condition characterized by persistent and excessive worry about a wide range of everyday events. Unlike the transient anxiety most people experience, the worry in GAD is disproportionate to the situation and difficult to control, often lasting six months

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Borderline Personality vs Bipolar: A Clear Comparison

Psychological disorders / Adil Farooq

Introduction: Two Disorders Often Confused but Clinically Distinct Emotional instability, impulsive behavior, and unpredictable mood changes—these symptoms can make Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Bipolar Disorder seem similar at first glance. Both involve intense emotional experiences that disrupt relationships, self-image, and daily functioning. However, the root causes, patterns, and treatments of these disorders are entirely

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What Is Compassion Fatigue and How to Treat It.

Mental Health Awareness / Adil Farooq

In a world where empathy and caregiving are vital, compassion fatigue has quietly become one of the most common yet least discussed emotional challenges. People who dedicate their lives to helping others—nurses, therapists, doctors, teachers, first responders, and caregivers—often find themselves drained not only physically but emotionally. This exhaustion is known as compassion fatigue, a

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Living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Mental Health Awareness / Adil Farooq

Living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can feel like a constant battle between your thoughts and your peace of mind. While everyone experiences occasional worries or repetitive habits, for people with OCD, these thoughts and behaviors can take over daily life — shaping routines, relationships, and emotions. OCD isn’t about being “too clean” or “too organized.”

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Psychotherapy for Borderline Personality Disorder.

Therapies / Adil Farooq

Introduction Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is one of the most challenging and emotionally intense mental health conditions to treat. Characterized by unstable moods, self-image issues, impulsivity, and turbulent relationships, BPD affects not only the individual but also their loved ones and treatment providers. For decades, psychotherapy has been the foundation of recovery for people with

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Somatic Symptom Disorder : DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria

Clinical Insights / Adil Farooq

Introduction Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) represents a significant evolution in how psychiatry conceptualizes the relationship between physical symptoms and psychological distress. Historically labeled as “psychosomatic” or “somatoform disorders,” the DSM-5 reframed this group of conditions to focus less on whether symptoms can be medically explained and more on how individuals experience and interpret them. According

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Psychotherapy for Avoidant Personality Disorder .

Therapies / Adil Farooq

Introduction: Understanding Avoidant Personality Disorder Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPD) is a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition characterized by pervasive social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation. Individuals living with AvPD often avoid social interactions, not because they lack interest in others, but due to an intense fear of criticism or

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Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) in Children

Clinical Insights / Adil Farooq

Introduction – Understanding Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder in Children Childhood is meant to be filled with curiosity, laughter, and learning. Yet for some children, emotions can feel unpredictable, overwhelming, and explosive. When anger and irritability become a daily struggle — far beyond typical tantrums — parents often begin to worry something deeper may be happening.

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Major Depressive Disorder Symptoms: And Treatment

Psychological disorders / Adil Farooq

Introduction – Understanding Major Depressive Disorder Depression is more than sadness — it’s a deep, often invisible weight that can affect how a person thinks, feels, and lives. According to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a serious mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness,

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Gender Dysphoria: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Psychological disorders / Adil Farooq

Introduction – Understanding Gender Identity and Dysphoria Gender identity is one of the most personal and powerful parts of who we are. It describes how we see ourselves — male, female, both, neither, or somewhere in between. For most people, gender identity aligns with the sex assigned at birth. But for some, this alignment feels

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What Is an Intellectual Disorder? DSM-5 Classification.

Clinical Insights / Adil Farooq

Introduction: Understanding the Mind Beyond Labels Intellectual disorder—also known as intellectual developmental disorder (IDD) under the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition)—is more than a clinical term. It represents a lifelong condition that affects how individuals learn, reason, solve problems, and adapt to everyday life. While society often uses outdated or

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Existential Depression: Meaning and Causes.

Psychological disorders / Adil Farooq

Introduction – When Meaning Fades: The Hidden Depth of Existential Depression There are moments in life when sadness takes on a deeper shade—when emotions stretch beyond everyday stress or loss and become rooted in profound questions about existence itself.Questions like “What is the purpose of my life?”, “Why do I feel empty even when everything

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Overthinking Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Psychological disorders / Adil Farooq

Introduction – The Silent Struggle of Overthinking Overthinking is often described as the art of creating problems that don’t exist. Yet for millions of people, this habit is not a mere quirk—it’s a deeply ingrained mental pattern that can feel impossible to control. When thoughts spiral endlessly, replaying the past or predicting the future, the

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Quiet Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Clinical Insights / Adil Farooq

Introduction: The Silent Side of Borderline Personality Disorder Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is often portrayed as loud, explosive, and chaotic—an emotional storm that others can see and feel. But not everyone who lives with BPD expresses their struggles outwardly. Some experience an equally painful version that unfolds quietly, hidden beneath a calm surface. This lesser-known

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Workplace Anxiety Disorder: Job-Related Stress

Clinical Insights / Adil Farooq

Introduction Workplace anxiety disorder is an increasingly recognized mental health concern in modern professional environments. As work demands intensify and the boundaries between professional and personal life blur, more individuals experience persistent stress, fear, or worry related to their jobs. Unlike temporary nervousness before a big presentation, workplace anxiety is chronic, often accompanied by physical

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Author name: Adil Farooq