Health Call Blog

Insights on rheumatology, psychiatry & counselling

Evidence-based guidance from our experts in Dubai Healthcare City — written for patients and families across the UAE.

Rheumatology Psychiatry Counselling Practice Philosophy

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A medical illustration showing biologic therapy concepts for lupus care, including antibodies, immune cells, and protective shield imagery

Rheumatology

Biologics for Lupus (SLE): When Are They Needed?

A Dubai rheumatologist explains biologic treatments for lupus (SLE) — belimumab, rituximab, and how these fit alongside conventional therapy.

August 21, 20267 min readDr. Bassel Darwish

A rheumatologist explaining a hand-drawn treatment pathways diagram comparing conventional DMARDs and biologic therapies to a male patient

Rheumatology

Biologic Medications for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Powerful Tools, But Not Always the First Choice

A Dubai rheumatologist explains biologics, conventional DMARDs and JAK inhibitors for RA — and why the newest treatment is not always the best one.

August 21, 20269 min readDr. Bassel Darwish

A woman rheumatologist discussing a pregnancy planning guide for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and APS with a female patient in a bright clinic room

Rheumatology

Planning a Pregnancy with Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus in Dubai: What Changes, What to Ask Your Rheumatologist

Planning a pregnancy with RA or lupus in Dubai? How pregnancy affects rheumatic disease, what to plan for in advance, and what to ask your rheumatologist.

August 21, 20269 min readDr. Bassel Darwish

Wooden puzzle head with pieces representing neurodiversity, ADHD and autism spectrum differences

Psychiatry

Adult ADHD and Autism Assessments: What to Expect

What actually happens during an adult ADHD or autism assessment in Dubai? A consultant psychiatrist explains the DISCO interview, how long it takes, and what to prepare.

August 19, 202610 min readDr. Indira Priyadarshini

Split image contrasting myths with a tangled rope and question marks against facts with stacked wooden blocks showing sun, people and heart icons

Psychiatry

Mental Health Treatment: Myths vs. Facts

A Dubai consultant psychiatrist separates common myths about psychiatric medication and seeking help from the facts, so patients can make informed decisions without stigma.

August 18, 20269 min readDr. Indira Priyadarshini

A woman sitting thoughtfully in a quiet room, looking at a large wall outline of a human head filled with tangled lines representing intrusive thoughts

Psychiatry

OCD Isn't Always Visible: Understanding Intrusive Thoughts and "Pure O"

OCD doesn't always look like handwashing or checking locks. A Dubai consultant psychiatrist explains intrusive thoughts, "Pure O," and why these thoughts don't mean what you fear they mean.

August 18, 20268 min readDr. Indira Priyadarshini

A patient having a consultation with a psychologist in a modern Dubai therapy office

Psychiatry & Counselling

How to Choose a Therapist or Psychologist in Dubai: A Patient's Checklist

Find the best psychologist or therapist in Dubai: a patient checklist covering credentials, therapy styles and clinic reputation.

August 18, 20269 min readMs. Fariha Khan

A psychiatrist and a counsellor at a mental health clinic in Dubai

Psychiatry & Counselling

Psychiatrist vs Counsellor in Dubai: Which One Should You See?

Not sure whether to see a psychiatrist or a counsellor in Dubai? Learn the difference, who treats what, and when medication vs talk therapy is appropriate.

August 17, 20268 min readDr. Indira Priyadarshini

Psychiatry

Psychiatrist vs Psychologist in Dubai: What's the Difference and Who Should You See?

Psychiatrist vs psychologist vs counsellor in Dubai — training, what they treat, when to see each. A clear guide from Health Call Clinic.

August 17, 20269 min readDr. Indira Priyadarshini

Woman with shoulder and back pain alongside anatomical overlays of hand, shoulder, spine, hip and knee joints

Rheumatology

What Is Rheumatism? Causes, Symptoms & When to See a Doctor in Dubai

Rheumatism covers many joint, muscle and connective-tissue conditions. Causes, symptoms and when to see a rheumatologist in Dubai.

August 16, 20268 min readDr. Bassel Darwish

Man holding a painful knee with an anatomical overlay showing osteoarthritis inflammation

Rheumatology

Osteoarthritis Treatment in Dubai: A Complete Guide to Managing Knee, Hip, Hand, and Spine Osteoarthritis

A consultant rheumatologist’s guide to osteoarthritis in Dubai: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, lifestyle treatment, injections, PRP, and when surgery is needed.

August 14, 202611 min readDr. Bassel Darwish

Consultant rheumatologist examining a patient's hand in a modern clinic in Dubai

Rheumatology

What Does a Rheumatologist Treat? A Complete Guide for Patients in Dubai

A rheumatologist diagnoses and treats arthritis, autoimmune diseases, gout, osteoporosis and musculoskeletal conditions in Dubai. Learn what to expect.

August 12, 202614 min readDr. Bassel Darwish

Man seated holding his knee, with an illustrated overlay highlighting inflammation in the knee joint

Rheumatology

Regenerative Medicine for Arthritis: What Is Proven, What Is Promising, and What Is Marketing?

A Dubai consultant rheumatologist on PRP, stem cells and exosomes for arthritis — what the evidence actually shows, and which claims go too far.

August 12, 202611 min readDr. Bassel Darwish

A woman sitting on a sofa with her hand on her chest, eyes closed, experiencing the physical symptoms of a panic attack

Psychiatry

Panic Attacks vs. Anxiety: How to Tell the Difference (and When to Get Help)

A Dubai consultant psychiatrist explains how panic attacks differ from anxiety, why they mimic heart problems, and which treatments actually work.

August 10, 20267 min readDr. Indira Priyadarshini

Woman in her forties looking calm and reflective, with faded images behind her showing earlier moments of distress and low mood

Psychiatry

Is It Stress, Depression, or Perimenopause? Understanding the Emotional Changes Before Menopause

A Dubai consultant psychiatrist explains perimenopause mood changes, anxiety, brain fog and sleep problems — and when emotional symptoms need assessment.

August 10, 20267 min readDr. Indira Priyadarshini

A nurse performing a heel ultrasound bone screening on a seated woman, alongside a woman lying on a DEXA bone density scanner

Rheumatology

Osteoporosis in Post-Menopausal Women: Why Screening Matters Before a Fracture Happens

Osteoporosis rarely causes symptoms until a bone breaks. Why post-menopausal screening matters, and how heel ultrasound and DEXA scans differ.

August 8, 20268 min readDr. Bassel Darwish

Vitamin D supplements alongside vitamin D-rich foods

Rheumatology

Could Vitamin D Deficiency Be Contributing to Your Joint Pain?

Vitamin D deficiency is common in the UAE despite the sunshine and can contribute to joint pain, muscle weakness and weaker bones. Signs, testing and treatment.

August 7, 20266 min readDr. Bassel Darwish

A rheumatologist examining the swollen knee of a young girl with psoriasis patches in a bright clinic room

Rheumatology

Psoriatic Arthritis in Children: When Joint Pain Gets Blamed on a Fall

A swollen knee in a child is usually a bump. Sometimes it is juvenile psoriatic arthritis. Signs, why eye screening matters, and how treatment evolves.

August 7, 20265 min readDr. Bassel Darwish

A family with two children sitting with a counsellor in a bright Dubai consulting room with the city skyline visible through the window

Counselling

Supporting Children Through Relocation to Dubai: When Counselling Can Help

How children adjust after relocating to Dubai, signs your child may be struggling, the Third Culture Kid experience, and when counselling can help.

August 5, 20266 min readMs. Fariha Khan

A woman sitting thoughtfully on a sofa, with faded images behind her showing both an elated mood and a low, withdrawn mood

Psychiatry

Bipolar Disorder vs. Depression: Why Getting the Diagnosis Right Changes Everything

A Dubai consultant psychiatrist explains why bipolar disorder is often mistaken for depression, how they differ, and why the diagnosis changes treatment.

August 4, 20266 min readDr. Indira Priyadarshini

Counsellor and patient in a bariatric surgery counselling session at Health Call Clinic, Dubai Healthcare City

Psychiatry & Counselling

Psychological Support for Bariatric Surgery in Dubai: Why Mental Readiness Is the Key to Long-Term Success

Pre- and post-bariatric surgery counselling in Dubai Healthcare City. CBT, psychological assessment and long-term support with Ms Fariha Khan.

August 3, 20267 min readMs. Fariha Khan

Young man sitting on the edge of his bed holding his lower back at sunrise, with the Dubai skyline visible through the window

Rheumatology

Seven Years of Back Pain — And the Diagnosis That Changed Everything

A Dubai rheumatologist explains how axial spondyloarthritis hides behind normal blood tests, why MRI matters, and when back pain needs specialist assessment.

August 2, 20266 min readDr. Bassel Darwish

Pre-travel checklist, passport, prescription ADHD medication and travel case with the Dubai skyline in the background

Psychiatry

Moving to Dubai While Taking ADHD Medication? Here's What You Need to Know

Relocating to Dubai on ADHD medication? Learn UAE rules on stimulants, MOHAP import permits, three-month supplies and how to continue treatment safely.

August 1, 20266 min readDr. Indira Priyadarshini

Woman sitting at a kitchen table by a window, looking away from a plate of fruit and granola

Psychiatry

Eating Disorders: When Food Becomes More Than Food

A Dubai consultant psychiatrist on anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder — the signs to watch for, how they are treated, and where to get help.

July 31, 20265 min readDr. Indira Priyadarshini

Parents sitting with their young son, who holds a teddy bear, during a consultation with a doctor in a bright clinic room

Rheumatology

When the Disease Is Quiet, It Is Easy to Forget It Is There

A rheumatologist's case story on juvenile idiopathic arthritis, silent uveitis and why stopping treatment when a child feels well can cost their sight.

July 30, 20266 min readDr. Bassel Darwish

A quiet, welcoming therapy room with two armchairs, a soft cushion, notebook and warm daylight through the window

Practice Philosophy

Compassion Without Judgement

A consultant psychiatrist in Dubai reflects on why feeling heard — without judgement — is often the first step toward healing in mental healthcare.

July 28, 20265 min readDr. Indira Priyadarshini

A quiet counselling room with two armchairs, a small round table with a notebook and pen, soft daylight and a calming lakeside painting

Practice Philosophy

The Person Before the Problem

A UK-trained counsellor in Dubai reflects on respect, trust, and person-centred care — why good counselling begins with the person, not just the problem.

July 28, 20265 min readMs. Fariha Khan

GLP-1 injection pen on a desk with a weight scale, healthy food, tape measure and icons for heart, kidney, brain and immune health

Rheumatology

GLP-1 Medications and Rheumatic Diseases

A Dubai rheumatologist explains how GLP-1 medications may benefit patients with arthritis and autoimmune disease — beyond weight loss alone.

July 26, 20265 min readDr. Bassel Darwish

A doctor in a white coat speaking with a patient across a desk, hands mid-gesture in explanation

Practice Philosophy

Why We Practice Medicine This Way

Reflections from Health Call Clinic on trust and the human side of healthcare — how science, conversation and clinical judgement shape good care.

July 25, 20265 min readDr. Bassel Darwish

A doctor balancing wooden blocks representing guidelines, checklists and patients on a small wooden scale

Practice Philosophy

When Medicine Doesn't Fit Inside a Rule Book

A consultant rheumatologist in Dubai explains how clinical guidelines and classification criteria fit into good, individualised patient care.

July 25, 20265 min readDr. Bassel Darwish

A couple in a warm consultation room speaking with a counsellor during a couples therapy session in Dubai

Counseling

Couples Counselling in Dubai: When to Seek Support and What to Expect

Is couples counselling only for relationships in crisis? A UK-trained counsellor in Dubai explains when to seek support and what happens in sessions.

July 24, 20265 min readMs. Fariha Khan

Woman lying awake in bed at night beside an alarm clock, unable to sleep

Psychiatry

Why Can't I Sleep? Conversations About Insomnia

A Dubai consultant psychiatrist on why sleep goes wrong, when insomnia is a symptom of something else, and what actually helps beyond sleeping tablets.

July 23, 20265 min readDr. Indira Priyadarshini

A patient standing in a clinic corridor between two consultation rooms, deciding which specialist to see

Rheumatology

Which Specialist Do You Need? A Rheumatologist or an Orthopedic Surgeon?

Joint pain in Dubai — should you see a rheumatologist or an orthopedic surgeon? A consultant rheumatologist explains how to choose the right specialist first.

July 23, 20265 min readDr. Bassel Darwish

Consultant rheumatologist speaking with a patient in a Dubai clinic

Rheumatology

Do You Need to See a Rheumatologist?

A Dubai consultant rheumatologist shares the conversations he hears every week — and the subtle clues that suggest it's time for an assessment.

July 22, 20265 min readDr. Bassel Darwish

Consultant rheumatologist in a white coat discussing treatment options with a patient

Rheumatology

How I Choose the Right Treatment

A Dubai consultant rheumatologist explains how he chooses the right treatment for each patient — balancing evidence, experience and shared decisions.

July 22, 20265 min readDr. Bassel Darwish

Woman sitting on the edge of her bed in the morning holding a stiff, painful wrist

Rheumatology

When Rest Makes Your Joints Worse: An Important Sign of Inflammatory Arthritis

Morning stiffness and pain that worsens after rest may be early signs of inflammatory arthritis. Why recognising them early helps protect your joints.

July 21, 20265 min readDr. Bassel Darwish

Consultant psychiatrist conducting an adult autism assessment consultation in Dubai

Psychiatry

Adult Autism Assessment in Dubai: Why Many People Aren't Diagnosed Until Later in Life

Learn why autism is often missed until adulthood, how a standardised adult autism assessment is performed, and how a diagnosis can improve quality of life.

July 20, 20266 min readDr. Indira Priyadarshini

Consultant psychiatrist conducting an adult ADHD assessment consultation with a patient in a Dubai clinic

Psychiatry

Adult ADHD Assessment in Dubai: How It's Diagnosed, What to Expect, and Treatment Options

Comprehensive adult ADHD assessment in Dubai. Learn how ADHD is diagnosed, what to expect during testing, and treatment options with Dr. Indira at Health Call.

July 19, 20266 min readDr. Indira Priyadarshini

Consultant psychiatrist listening compassionately to a patient during a trauma-focused mental health consultation in Dubai

Psychiatry

How Trauma Can Affect Your Mental Health: Why Early Recognition Matters

Learn how trauma affects mental health, recognize early signs of PTSD, and discover why early diagnosis and treatment can improve recovery.

July 19, 20266 min readDr. Indira Priyadarshini

Close-up of an inflamed, swollen big toe joint typical of an acute gout attack, next to a blister pack of tablets on a clinical exam table

Rheumatology

Why Did My Gout Medication Make My Gout Worse?

A Dubai rheumatologist explains why starting urate-lowering therapy can trigger a gout flare, and how to reach the uric acid target safely.

July 18, 20266 min readDr. Bassel Darwish

A woman speaking with a counsellor about pregnancy loss at Health Call Clinic Dubai

Counselling

Coping with Pregnancy Loss and Miscarriage: When Can Counselling Help?

Counselling in Dubai for miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth and termination for medical reasons — when therapy can help.

July 13, 20265 min readMs. Fariha Khan

Counsellor meeting with a patient before bariatric surgery at Health Call Clinic Dubai

Counselling

Do I need a psychological assessment before bariatric surgery in Dubai?

Why bariatric surgery programmes in Dubai recommend a psychological assessment, what it involves, and how it supports long-term results.

July 13, 20264 min readMs. Fariha Khan

A family carer in a confidential counselling session at Health Call Clinic Dubai

Psychiatry & Counselling

Supporting the Carer No One Talks About

Confidential counselling in Dubai for family members caring for a loved one with OCD, psychosis, schizophrenia or borderline personality disorder.

July 9, 20265 min readMs. Fariha Khan

Doctor examining a patient's ear with an otoscope alongside an illustration of inflamed blood vessels around the ear and sinuses

Rheumatology

When an Ear Infection Isn't an Ear Infection: A Real Case of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Wegener's Disease)

A Dubai case where sinusitis, an unresponsive ear infection and joint pain turned out to be Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Wegener's disease).

July 5, 20267 min readDr. Bassel Darwish

Woman with joint pain in her hands and knees

Rheumatology

Lupus vs Rheumatoid Arthritis vs Fibromyalgia: Know the Difference

Joint pain and fatigue can be lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia. How a Dubai rheumatologist tells them apart.

July 2, 20268 min readDr. Bassel Darwish

Teenage girl in a counselling session with a warm female therapist

Psychiatry & Counselling

Teen Mental Health in Dubai: A Parent's Guide to Warning Signs & Support

A practical guide for parents in Dubai on adolescent mental health — warning signs, common conditions, when to seek counselling, and how to talk to your teen.

April 28, 20269 min readMs. Fariha Khan

Pediatric rheumatologist examining a young child's hand

Rheumatology

Juvenile Arthritis: Signs Your Child Needs a Pediatric Rheumatologist in Dubai

Persistent joint pain, limping or swelling in a child may be juvenile arthritis. Warning signs and when to see a Dubai specialist.

April 10, 20267 min readDr. Bassel Darwish

Person exercising outdoors for joint health

Rheumatology

When Lifestyle Changes Aren't Enough: Medical Support for Weight & Joint Health

For patients whose joint pain limits exercise, medical weight-management support can break the cycle. Learn how rheumatology-led care in Dubai can help.

March 14, 20265 min readDr. Bassel Darwish

Woman having an online psychiatry consultation from home in Dubai

News & Events

DHA-Approved Online Psychiatry at Health Call Clinic, Dubai Healthcare City

DHA-approved online psychiatry consultations across the UAE with Dr. Indira Priyadarshini — secure, confidential mental health care.

November 13, 20253 min readHealth Call Clinic

Health Call Clinic at Dubai Healthcare City

News & Events

Health Call Clinic — A Founding Member of Dubai Healthcare City

Health Call Clinic is recognised as a founding member of Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), reflecting more than two decades of expert care in the UAE.

November 12, 20252 min readHealth Call Clinic

Exhausted professional in a Dubai office showing signs of work-related burnout

Psychiatry & Counselling

Work-Related Burnout in Dubai: Recognising the Signs and Seeking Early Help

Recognise work-related burnout early. Dr Indira Priyadarshini, British-trained psychiatrist in Dubai, explains signs, treatment and when to seek help.

July 15, 20258 min readDr. Indira Priyadarshini

Adult sitting on a sofa looking pensive with a hand on chest, reflecting subtle anxiety

Psychiatry & Counselling

Stress vs. Anxiety: What's the Difference and When Should You Seek Help?

Stress vs. anxiety in Dubai: the clear differences, where they overlap, and when to seek counselling or psychiatric help. By Ms Fariha Khan.

March 25, 20258 min readMs. Fariha Khan

Community walk for arthritis awareness in Dubai

News & Events

Health Call Joins the Middle East Arthritis Foundation's Walk for Arthritis 2025

Health Call Clinic took part in the Middle East Arthritis Foundation's Walk for Arthritis 2025 in Dubai to raise awareness of autoimmune joint disease.

March 15, 20252 min readHealth Call Clinic

News & Events

Bone Density Screening with Filipino Runners United

Health Call Clinic partnered with Filipino Runners United to offer free bone density screening and osteoporosis education to the Filipino community in Dubai.

November 5, 20242 min readHealth Call Clinic

Calm therapy room with natural light, a soft armchair and a wall illustration of a head with a growing tree, symbolising mental wellbeing and growth

Psychiatry & Counselling

Insights Into Mental Health Challenges and Therapeutic Solutions

A clinical guide to depression, anxiety, mood disorders, psychosis, schizophrenia, ADHD and ASD — plus evidence-based treatments available in Dubai.

July 13, 202410 min readDr. Indira Priyadarshini

Multicultural professionals in a Dubai office engaged in an empathetic discussion

Psychiatry & Counselling

The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace and Ways to Enhance It

Why emotional intelligence predicts workplace success — plus 7 research-backed ways to develop EI in Dubai's multicultural workplace. By Ms Fariha Khan.

July 12, 20248 min readMs. Fariha Khan

Rheumatology

The Suffering Little "Princess": A Familial Mediterranean Fever Case

A 3½-year-old girl with 3 years of recurrent fever and severe pain, finally diagnosed with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) and treated successfully in Dubai.

July 12, 20243 min readDr. Bassel Darwish

Close-up of a woman's swollen finger joints — a warning sign to see a rheumatologist

Rheumatology

When Should You See a Rheumatologist? 10 Signs You Should Not Wait

Ten symptoms that mean you should see a rheumatologist in Dubai — from morning stiffness and symmetrical swelling to unexplained fatigue and JIA red flags.

July 12, 202410 min readDr. Bassel Darwish

Family caregivers in a compassionate counselling session in Dubai

Psychiatry & Counselling

Dealing With Mental Disorder Within the Family: A Caregiver's Guide

How families in Dubai can cope with a loved one's serious mental illness — caregiver burnout, coping strategies and where to find professional support.

June 22, 20246 min readMs. Fariha Khan

Kalayaan Philippine Independence Day community event in Dubai

News & Events

Celebrating Kalayaan 2024 with the Filipino Community in Dubai

Health Call Clinic joined the Filipino community in Dubai to celebrate Kalayaan 2024 (Philippine Independence Day) with health awareness activities.

June 15, 20242 min readHealth Call Clinic