Month: May 2023

Corporate Profiles

Lahiru Karunarathna is a fellow member of Association of Chartered Certified Accountants – UK and holds a BSc (Hons) on Applied Accounting from University of Oxford Brookes. He is also a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka and a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors Sri Lanka Chapter. He has been in the finance, taxation, auditing and banking industries for over 11 years. He has also been a passionate lecturer for accounting and taxation for renowned accounting qualifications such as ACCA, CASL, CMA and AAT.

Chandula Fernando is a chartered marketer with a post-graduate diploma in professional marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK). He also holds a BSc (Hons) degree from the University of London in Business and Management. Chandula is a former national swimmer and water polo player, having represented the country in multiple occasions. He is also a former national record holder in swimming. Chandula has been in the telemedicine industry for almost three years and is passionate about New Business Development.

Sampath is Software delivery & project management expert with 14+ years of experience in the software industry. He is a Project Management Professional (PMP) & Certified Scrum Master (CSM). He also holds a Masters Degree in Computer Science from University Colombo & Bsc IT Degree from University of Moratuwa. He is well experienced working with clients across the global from the project presales to delivery. In addition to delivery management he is very solid in technology and played the roles of Solution Architect &
VP – Engineering as well.

Adithya is a software engineer and ML engineer with 6 years of experience in the industry. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Computer Science and Software Engineering from the University of Bedfordshire. He has built software and infrastructure to serve products catering to both the health science and research sectors using cutting edge AI solutions.

Jenon Fernando is a seasoned professional with a BM, Sales and Data Analytics background. Besides his academic achievements, Jenon is a talented debater, traditional instrumentalist, and accomplished cricketer and athlete during his school days, showing a commitment to excellence and mastery in multiple areas. With over eight years of experience in customer service and sales within the travel industry and telemedicine, Jenon has been an instrumental force in shaping the Customer Care team at oDoc since 2020. Having climbed the ranks within the company, he now heads operations at oDoc, bringing a wealth of leadership skills and a dedicated passion for excellence to his role.

Heshanka is the Chairman and Co-Founder at oDoc, Sri Lanka’s leading digital healthcare platform making medical care accessible and affordable at scale. He is a former AVP of the John Keells Group (Sri Lanka’s largest conglomerate). He has Majors in Mathematics, Statistics, Economics & Operational Research from the University of Warwick and he is Techstars and Stanford University StartX Alumnus.

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    Blog Article Featured Mental Health

    Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

    Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.

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    Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health disorder characterised by instability in mood, behaviour, and relationships. People with BPD experience intense and frequent mood swings, and their self-image and interpersonal relationships are often unstable and erratic. This article will discuss the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder.

    Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder

    The symptoms of BPD can vary, but they often include emotional instability, impulsive behaviour, fear of abandonment, and an unstable self-image. People with BPD may also have difficulty managing anger, suffer from anxiety and depression, and engage in self-destructive behaviours such as substance abuse, gambling, and risky sexual behaviour.

    Individuals with BPD often experience a deep fear of abandonment and may go to great lengths to avoid being alone. This fear of abandonment can manifest in various ways, including clinginess, desperation, or anger when their loved ones don’t meet their expectations. In addition, individuals with BPD often have a distorted self-image and may feel they don’t know who they are. They may change their goals, values, and opinions frequently and have difficulty maintaining stable relationships.

    Causes of Borderline Personality Disorder

    The exact causes of BPD are not well understood, but it is believed that a combination of biological and environmental factors can contribute to the development of the disorder. Some research suggests that genetic factors may be involved, as individuals with a family history of BPD are likely to develop the condition. Other potential risk factors for BPD include early trauma, neglect, and emotional or physical abuse.

    Diagnosis and Treatment

    Diagnosing BPD can be challenging, as the symptoms can overlap with other mental health disorders. However, mental health professionals use specific diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to diagnose. In addition to clinical evaluation, screening tools such as the McLean Screening Instrument for Borderline Personality Disorder and the Personality Assessment Inventory are commonly used to assess BPD symptoms.

    There is no known cure for BPD, but treatment can help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Treatment typically involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Antidepressants, mood stabilisers, and antipsychotics may be prescribed to help manage symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), can help individuals learn coping skills, emotional regulation, and interpersonal skills.

    DBT is a specific type of psychotherapy that was developed specifically for individuals with BPD. DBT focuses on mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. This type of therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing suicidal behavior, self-harm, and hospitalizations.

    Living with someone with Borderline Personality Disorder

    Living with someone who has BPD can be challenging. It is important to remember that the symptoms of BPD are not a personal attack on you, and it is essential to maintain healthy boundaries and take care of yourself. Supporting someone with BPD may involve setting limits, being patient, and encouraging them to seek professional help.

    Caregivers of individuals with BPD may also benefit from therapy and support groups. It is important to remember that you are not alone, and there are resources available to help you cope.

    Borderline Personality Disorder can be a challenging disorder to live with, but with proper treatment and support, individuals with BPD can lead fulfilling lives. The key to managing BPD symptoms is to seek professional help and engage in therapy. Medication can also help to manage symptoms such as depression and anxiety. It is essential for caregivers and loved ones to be patient and supportive and to seek their own support when needed. 

    If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD), you can start by consulting a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist from the comfort of your home via the oDoc app. 

     

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    Blog Article Featured Mental Health

    Panic Attack vs. Anxiety Attack: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

    Panic Attack vs. Anxiety Attack: Everything you need to know.

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    Anxiety and panic attacks are mental health conditions that can cause significant distress and interfere with daily life. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, there are essential differences between the two. Understanding the difference between a panic attack and an anxiety attack is necessary to receive the appropriate treatment and manage symptoms effectively.

    What are Panic Attacks?

    A panic attack is a sudden and intense episode of fear or anxiety that often occurs without warning. The symptoms can be physical or psychological and may include rapid heartbeat, chest pain, sweating, shaking, and feelings of impending doom. Panic attacks can be triggered by a specific situation or can occur unexpectedly. Some common causes of panic attacks include genetics, brain chemistry, and traumatic experiences.

    What are Anxiety Attacks?

    Anxiety attacks, also known as anxiety episodes or disorders, are episodes of intense fear or worry often related to a specific situation or object. Unlike panic attacks, anxiety attacks can develop gradually. They may be accompanied by physical symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Common causes of anxiety attacks include stress, trauma, and underlying medical conditions.

    Panic Attack vs. Anxiety Attack: What's the Difference?

    While panic attacks and anxiety attacks share some similarities, there are also key differences between the two. Some of the main differences include the following:

    • Panic attacks often occur suddenly and without warning. In contrast, anxiety attacks can develop gradually and may be related to a specific trigger.
    • The symptoms of panic attacks tend to be more intense. They may include physical symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations. In contrast, anxiety attacks may accompany physical symptoms but tend to focus more on psychological symptoms like excessive worry or fear.
    • Panic attacks tend to be shorter, typically lasting 5-20 minutes, while anxiety attacks may last longer.
    • Panic attacks often feel like a sudden wave of terror. In contrast, anxiety attacks tend to feel more like a persistent feeling of unease or nervousness.

    It is important to note that while panic and anxiety attacks have distinct differences, they can also occur together and may indicate an underlying anxiety disorder.

    Managing Panic Attacks and Anxiety Attacks

    Several self-help techniques and professional treatment options are available for managing panic attacks and anxiety attacks. Some self-help techniques include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation. It is also essential to identify and avoid triggers and make lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep.

    Professional treatment options may include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is common for panic attacks and anxiety attacks. It can be effective in helping individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours.

    In summary, panic attacks and anxiety attacks are severe mental health conditions that can cause significant distress and interfere with daily life. Understanding the difference between the two is essential for receiving appropriate treatment and managing symptoms effectively. It is also important to seek professional help and lifestyle changes to manage symptoms and improve overall well-being. You can talk to one of our psychologists or therapists via the oDoc app in the most convenient way possible. Download the oDoc app here: 

    Sources:

    Emotional Health: Why It’s as Important as Physical Health. https://www.healthline.com/health/emotional-health

    Panic Attack vs. Anxiety Attack: What’s the Difference? – Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/panic-attack-vs-anxiety-attack

    Anxiety Attacks and Anxiety Disorder https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/anxiety-disorders-and-anxiety-attacks.htm

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