Dr Omar Habeb

26/02/2025

11/11/2024

Understanding Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES) and Migration Stress: A Case Study

Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES) are frequently mistaken for epileptic seizures, resulting in misdiagnoses and ineffective treatments. This case study examines the impact of emotional stress, migration dreams, and financial hardship on a 19-year-old Somali woman who developed PNES.

Case Presentation

A young woman in Garasbaley district experienced daily seizure-like episodes. Despite anti-epileptic treatment, her symptoms persisted. EEG and CT scans revealed no neurological cause, leading to a PNES diagnosis. Unlike epileptic seizures, PNES are caused by emotional stress, not brain abnormalities.

Stress Triggers: Migration Dreams and Financial Challenges

The woman’s seizures were tied to her strong desire to migrate, known in Somali culture as “Buufis,” an intense longing for better opportunities abroad. Financial constraints made migration impossible, causing emotional distress that manifested as PNES.

Buufis and Mental Health

In Somali communities, migration is seen as a means to escape hardship, and unachievable migration dreams often lead to frustration, helplessness, and stress, as seen in this case.

Treatment Plan: Psychological Support

The treatment focused on psychological support, including:
1. Developing Coping Strategies: Exploring alternative goals, like local education or vocational opportunities, helped shift focus from unattainable migration dreams.
2. Managing Anxiety and Stress: Relaxation techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness reduced her anxiety and seizure frequency.
3. Ongoing Emotional Support: Emotional validation and family support helped address her frustration and build resilience.

Importance of Mental Health Support in Healthcare

This case emphasizes the need for mental health support in healthcare, as PNES is often rooted in emotional stress. Recognizing cultural factors, such as Buufis, allows healthcare providers to deliver compassionate, effective care that considers patients’ emotional and social backgrounds.

Conclusion

This case highlights how unfulfilled migration aspirations and financial stress contributed to PNES. Addressing psychological needs, stress management, and culturally sensitive care was essential in managing her symptoms and improving her well-being.

References
1. Reuber, M., & Elger, C. E. (2003). Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures: Review and update. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, 74(5), 201-208.
2. Kanner, A. M. (2013). Psychogenic seizures: Is there a role for psychotherapy? Epilepsy & Behavior, 27(2), 194-199.
3. Gureje, O., et al. (2006). The epidemiology of mental disorders in Nigeria. African Journal of Psychiatry, 9(3), 153-160.
4. Thomas, C., & Price, J. (2004). Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures in Somali Migrants. Somali Journal of Mental Health, 13(1), 45-

08/11/2024

Talooyin Ku Saabsan Xakameynta Heerka Sonkorta Dhiigga iyadoo la Isticmaalayo Cuntooyinka Glycemic-ka Hoose:
1 Dooro Cuntooyinka Glycemic-ka Hoose: Isticmaal cuntooyinka glycemic-ka hoose leh (heerka 70) sida rootiga cad, shoollada, iyo macmacaanka, kuwaas oo sonkorta dhiigga si degdeg ah u kordhiya. Haddii aad cunto, isku day inaad ku darto cunto glycemic hoose leh si ay u yareyso saameynta guud.
3 Kordhi Fiber-ka: Cuntooyinka hodanka ku ah fiber-ka sida khudaarta iyo miraha (heerka glycemic hoose) waxay yareeyaan nuugista sonkorta dhiigga, taasoo kaa caawin karta inaad xakameyso heerka sonkorta.
4 Isticmaal Proteinka iyo Dufanka Caafimaadka leh: Ku dar cuntooyinka leh borotiin iyo dufan caafimaad leh sida lawska (GI 21) iyo yoogurta dufan yar (GI 14) si ay u yareeyaan nuugista karbohaydraytyada una dejiyaan heerka sonkorta dhiigga.
5 La Soco Xaddiga Cuntada: Inaad si dhexdhexaad ah u cunto xitaa cuntooyinka glycemic-ka hoose leh ayaa muhiim ah. Tirada badan waxay sababi kartaa in heerka sonkorta dhiigga uu kor u kaco.
6 Cabbitaanka Biyaha: Cabitaanka biyo badan wuxuu ka caawiyaa in uu heerka sonkorta dhiiggu ahaado mid deggan, gaar ahaan marka la cuno cuntooyin karbohaydrayt leh.
Doorashada cuntooyinka ku habboon iyo xakameynta xaddiga ayaa muhiim u ah dadka qaba sonkorowga si ay ula socdaan heerka sonkorta dhiigga una ilaaliyaan caafimaadkooda muddada dheer.

23/07/2024

Saameynta Filtarada Snapchat iyo Gender Dysphoria

Hordhac:
Tiknoolojiyada casriga ah sida Snapchat waxay awood u siinaysaa dadka inay isticmaalaan filtaro beddelaya muuqaalka jidhkooda, taas oo saameyn ku yeelan karta dareenkooda jinsiga iyo aqoonsiga. Isticmaalka joogtada ah ee filtarada dumarnimada ama kuwa kale ee jinsiga beddelaya ayaa laga yaabaa inay keento dareenno la xiriira gender dysphoria.

Gender Dysphoria:
Gender dysphoria waa xaalad caafimaad oo dhimirka ah oo qofku dareemo in jinsiga uu ku dhashay aanu la jaan qaadi karin jinsiga uu dareemo inuu yahay. Tani waxay ka dhalan kartaa khilaafka u dhexeeya dareenka gudaha iyo muuqaalka jidhka. Calaamadaha gender dysphoria waxaa ka mid ah:

Dareen xooggan oo ku saabsan beddelka jinsiga: In qofku uu dareemo rabitaan xooggan oo ku saabsan inuu noqdo jinsiga kale.
Raaxo-darro: Raaxo la’aan ama dhibaatada la xiriirta jidhkaaga iyo qaybaha jidhkaaga ee jinsigaaga.
Dareen diidmo: Dareen diidmo oo ku saabsan muuqaalkaaga iyo magacaaga jinsigaaga.
Saameynta Filtarada Snapchat:
Filtarada Snapchat, oo badanaa loo isticmaalo si loo beddelo muuqaalka qofka, waxay saameyn ku yeelan karaan dareenka jinsiga. Tusaale ahaan, haddii qofku isticmaalo filtarro dumar oo si joogto ah ah, wuxuu ku dareemi karaa in muuqaalkaas uu ka tarjumayo jinsiga uu dareemayo in uu yahay, taasoo keeni karta in uu ka fiirsado ama uu la kulmo kala duwanaansho u dhexeeya jinsiga uu ku dhashay iyo jinsiga uu dareemayo.

Xanuunada La Xiriira:
Isticmaalka joogtada ah ee teknoolojiyada beddelaya muuqaalka waxay sidoo kale keeni kartaa xanuuno kale oo dhimirka ah, sida:

Dareen xanuun: Kordhinta dareenka xanuunka ee jidhka iyo muuqaalka.
Iska horimaad: Xiriir adag oo la xiriira aqoonsiga jinsiga iyo muujinta muuqaalka.
Dhibaatada aqoonsiga: Iska horimaad ku saabsan aqoonsiga jinsiga ee gudaha iyo muuqaalka dibadda.
Gabagabo:
Filtarada Snapchat waxay noqon karaan aalad xiiso leh, laakiin waxaa muhiim ah in la fahmo saameynta ay ku yeelan karaan dareenka jinsiga iyo aqoonsiga. Haddii aad dareemayso calaamadaha gender dysphoria ama xanuuno kale oo dhimirka ah, waxaa lagula talinayaa inaad la xiriirto xirfadlayaasha caafimaadka dhimirka si loo helo taageero iyo qiimeyn sax ah.

Xigasho:

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: APA.
Budge, S. L., Adelson, J. L., & Howard, K. A. S. (2013). Anxiety and depression in transgender individuals: The roles of transition status, loss, social support, and coping. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 81(3), 545-557.

23/06/2024

With Abdulkadir Farah Dulyar – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

17/05/2024

𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐱𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐢 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐔𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬.

Existential therapy aims to help individuals find meaning and purpose in life, addressing existential concerns like anxiety, isolation, freedom, and identity. It emphasizes personal responsibility, self-awareness, and authentic decision-making.

Relevance for Somalis:

Somali communities face unique challenges such as displacement, cultural integration, conflict trauma, and socio-economic hardships. Existential therapy can help address:

Identity and Belonging:

Many Somalis experience identity crises due to displacement and migration. Existential therapy supports individuals in exploring and affirming their cultural identity in new environments.

Trauma and Loss:

Conflict and violence are prevalent in Somali communities, leading to trauma. Existential therapy provides a framework for processing traumatic experiences and finding meaning in suffering.

Isolation and Alienation:

Adjusting to new cultures can cause feelings of isolation. Existential therapy aids individuals in navigating these feelings and forming meaningful connections.
Purpose and Direction:

Life transitions can lead to existential uncertainty. Therapy assists in exploring personal values and establishing direction.
Cultural and Religious Contexts:

Therapy can respect and integrate Somali cultural and religious beliefs, enhancing its effectiveness.
Implementation Considerations:

Cultural Sensitivity:

Therapists need to respect Somali traditions and beliefs.
Language and Communication:

Offering therapy in Somali or with interpreters improves accessibility.
Community Engagement:

Gaining community trust is crucial for therapy acceptance and utilization.
Trauma-Informed Care:

Therapists should provide safe environments for processing trauma.
Accessibility and Outreach:

Services should be easily accessible to Somali users.
Holistic Approaches:

Integrating complementary therapies can provide a holistic treatment plan.
Conclusion:

Existential therapy can benefit Somali service users by addressing identity, trauma, isolation, and purpose. Culturally sensitive, accessible, and trauma-informed approaches are essential for effective therapy. Engaging with the community and integrating complementary therapies enhance therapy acceptance and relevance.

18/12/2023

What is Resilience and How to control your Emotions l Muhammad Ali l Mind Engineer l NLP

14/09/2023

21/06/2023