HMC psychiatry dept to hold lecture on post-traumatic stress

The Hamad Medical Corporation’s Psychiatry Department will tomorrow hold an open day public lecture on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with focus on providing support for those suffering from psychological reactions and stress disorders that develop following disasters or tragic incidents. The lecture to be delivered by HMC consultant psychiatrist Dr Mohamed Albanna will discuss psychological reactions and support needed following critical incidents, defining specific roles played by psychological support teams towards survivors and families of victims. The latest practices in the field will also be discussed at the open day to be held at 6:30pm at the Psychiatry Department. “It is very important to extend all support and assistance for individuals who experience painful ordeals following major critical incidents or crises or disasters, in order to apprehend any unexpected responses and reactions towards the traumatic events they have suffered,” Dr Albanna explained. The lecture will discuss ways to extend psychological support for the victims, their families and those involved in disaster management. Dr Albanna, who will also answer questions from the audience, added that following the tragic fire at Villaggio shopping mall, the Psychiatry Department and the Qatar Red Crescent have organised a number of “Psychological Release” sessions for Civil Defence personnel and paramedics involved in the rescue operations, as well as those providing psychological support for the families of the victims.