Stress is the major cause of parental negligence
Depending on the age children may develop a subsequent phobia towards leaving a parent in even supportive environments like schools and nurseries. The “stressful” life of Dubai is one of the major contributing factors behind why parents forget their children in their cars, a consultant psychiatrist has said, following an incident where a girl in Abu Dhabi was suffocated to death after being forgotten in her parent’s vehicle for six hours.
Dr Shankar S Kuchibatla at LifeWorks Holistic Counselling Centre, said there are several factors behind why parents would forget their own children in the car, some of which include stress, multitasking and being unaware of the risks involved.
“The UAE in general, and Dubai in specific is a 24-hour happening city. Stressful life of parents is definitely a significant factor,” Dr Kuchibatla said. “Prolonged stress and lack of distraction and relaxation may lead to mental burnout leading to such incidents. Other reasons I found was some parents are unaware of risks associated with such behaviours. Some are overconfident and undermine consequences of such actions.”
“One of the significant reasons is that as parents, they are doing multitasking activities. As part of the stress involved in this process, their concentration and attention get affected. This may affect their memory leading to being forgetful.”
Dr Kuchibatla said that some parents may be going through mental health issues, such as depression, which could lead to symptoms like being detached and lost from activities. Other reasons could be lack of proper organisation and time management due to stress, causing burnout in the parents. He believes that in some cases there could also be involvement of sedative medications, alcohol or illicit drugs in excess, which may hamper concentration, memory as well.
“Needless to say some cases may have ongoing child negligence and abuse issues going on for some time, leading to such incidents,” he added.
The doctor pointed out that an incident as such if the child survives, can affect his or her behaviour in the long term. He also said that children may develop certain phobias after experiencing such a traumatic incident. “From a mental health and psychology point of view, this may affect the subsequent attachment style of a developing kid towards his or her parents,” he said. “Kids tend to become clingier towards parents. Depending on the age children may develop a subsequent phobia towards leaving a parent in even supportive environments like schools and nurseries.
“Severity of the incident and age of children may dictate the development of post-traumatic stress disorder and spectrum of anxiety symptoms.”
Parents can also be mentally affected after an incident as such, possibly developing PTSD symptoms and “guilty feelings” due to causing a near-to-death experience for the whole family. “The risks of developing adjustment disorders and anxious presentation towards children’s health are high,” Dr Kuchibatla said.
If you would like to talk, feel free to reach out to us. An LifeWorks therapist would be able to help.
Dr. Naeema Ali trained psychology and social worker students of UAE University. She is actively providing counselling support to cancer patients and their families. She launched an occupational therapy for cancer patients and cognitive behavioural therapy in Tawam.
Due to her continued support in oncology and ongoing support to cancer patients, Naeema received countless awards locally and international to recognize her achievements and skills. She has been invited to participate in various conferences and workshops around the world and invited as a guest speaker in various subjects that covers psychology.
She also joined Al Sayegh Medical Center as a Social Worker, providing comprehensive assessment and treatment services to children and families, in inpatient and/or outpatient settings, and communicates with referral sources as indicated by applying psychometric test, such as IQ Test, MMPI, Wechsler Test for children. Exhibit superior communication skills to uncover complicated mental health issues; develop and recommend treatment plans based on patient needs and diagnosis.
She continued working as a clinical psychologist providing counselling within the multi-cultural environment of the Emirates Airlines for the past 15 years. Her main task is providing mental health support to inflight and ground staff and addresses any problems, anxieties, or job-related stresses that they are dealing with. She uses her findings to help improve processes and behaviors of a patient to maintain a safe environment, to manage stress, overcome trauma, or avoid job-related conflicts. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the method Naeema is using to reduce the difficulties, anxieties, and stress that employee faces.
Naeema is also part of “ Shawer ”, the “Seek Our Advice”, and “We Listen To You” program of the Family Development Foundation of Abu Dhabi. The aim of the program was to promote family awareness and support a stable family life. It involves a group of community members who deal with family problems in a positive manner and provide individual and group counseling in social, psychological, and educational areas. They do so in a systematic way according to the needs of community members.
Besides “ Shawer ”, Naeema is also a volunteer of “ Friends of Cancer ” of Sharjah, supporting patients and their families to overcome the multitude psychological difficulties that they are experiencing due to cancer treatment as well as introducing some programs such as health education, self-care and some community programs wherein they can collaborate and share their experiences.
Area of interest:
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Psycho-oncology
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CBT
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Psychometric Assessments
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Children, Adults and Family therapy
Qualification and Membership:
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Psychology graduation from the University of Wisconsin
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Licensed by Community Development Authority
Dr. Mohammed Bardi M.B.B.S, M.D (Psychiatry) has worked under different capacities in clinical and hospital setups in Saudi, USA, and UAE. He comes with over 15 years of experience in mental health. He specifically worked with cases relating to schizophrenic, bipolar disorder, dual diagnosis, major depressive disorder with suicidal risks, anxiety disorders, Intellectual disabilities, Autistic spectrum disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD).
Area of interest:
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Mood disorders
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Anxiety disorders
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Improving life skills (social skills, self- esteem, decision making, coping with stress, problem solving, and time management)
Qualification and Membership:
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MBBS COLLEAGUE OF MEDICINE, KING SAUD UNIVERSITY 2003 (KKU).
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ARAB BOARD OF MEDICAL SPECIALTIES IN PSYCHIATRY 2007
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ANXIETY DISORDERS WORKSHOP (DIPLOMA), 2010
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ADDICTION FELLOWSHIP UCLA, USA, 2010-2011
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ADDICTION RESEARCH AND MATRIX TRAINING, ISAP, UCLA, LOS ANGELES, CA, USA 2014-2015
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BACHELOR’S DEGREE OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY
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ARAB BOARD OF MEDICAL SPECIALTIES IN PSYCHIATRY
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ADDICTION FELLOWSHIP UCLA 2011, 2015
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BETTY FORD CERTIFICATE, ADDICTION PROGRAM 2010
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CDA) Licensed Psychologist
Therapeutic Approach:
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At LifeWorks Holistic Counselling Center Dubai, Dr. Bardi works collaboratively within our expert multidisciplinary team, in treating a wide array of psychiatric conditions including:
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Anxiety disorders
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Substance use disorders
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Mood disorders including depression and Bipolar affective disorders
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Psychotic disorders (Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders)
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Personality disorders
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Cognitive disorders including Dementia
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Learning disabilities (intellectual disability disorders)
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Child and adolescents’ disorders like Separation anxiety disorders, conduct
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disorders and ADHD