FAQ's

Mental illnesses are conditions which affect a person’s behaviour, thoughts, emotion, cognitions and overall personality. It affects all genders, as well as age groups. It may be caused by psychological or biological factors.

A psychiatrist is a doctor who has a postgraduate degree in Psychiatry (DNB / MD) after MBBS, with an expertise in behavioural observation, diagnosing and treating psychiatric illness with medicines, ECT, RTMS, Counselling or Psychotherapy.

A psychologist, on the other hand, is a clinician who has a postgraduate degree in Clinical Psychology like M.Phil.(Clinical Psychology) certified by the Rehabilitation Council of India and has an expertise in doing psychological testing, applying various psychometric & psycho diagnostic tests along with a Masters in Psychotherapy and Counselling.

Mental illnesses can be divided into common mental disorders and severe mental disorders. 

Common mental disorders are Depression, Anxiety disorders, Psycho-Sexual Disorders, Psycho-somatic disorders, Insomnia, Addiction disorder, OCD(mild). 

Severe mental disorder includes Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorders, Dementia, severe forms of Depression, severe OCD, Autism which impairs the functional capability of a patient.

Mental illnesses have different courses and long term outcomes. Some conditions may subside within a shorter time frame, while severe mental illnesses generally have a longer course and may relapse if the treatment is discontinued prematurely.

Yes. Psychiatric medicines tend to have side-effects ranging from mild to severe. They are prescribed medicines especially for the patient, depending on the illnesses, its course and symptoms. Due to the general long duration of the illnesses, medications may continue for a period of time, but not always. 

Few medicines like anxiolytics, painkillers, multi-vitamins and others may lead to development of habits in patients if taken over the counter without proper advice & guidance of a doctor.

Yes. However, the patient should always tell the doctor about their other illnesses 

Alcohol when taken in small amounts may give you sleep. But beware, as you may slip into the vicious cycle of addiction as gradually this small amount may not be effective at all and one develops addiction i.e. daily habit of drinking alcohol in large amounts. This may affect one’s thoughts, emotions & behaviour in a negative way.

Suicide is a complex issue prevailing in the society that has its roots in biological, psychological, social as well as economic parameters. Psychological issues and psychiatric disorders are one of the causes of suicide. It is a psychiatric emergency as there is risk to the life of the patient. Those having intense suicidal thoughts or having a suicidal tendency should immediately take psychiatric consultation.

Children often face mental health issues like depression, anxiety, poor attention in different activities, hyperactivity / irritability, poor skills in reading, writing, maths, poor IQ development and others.

Several behaviours besides drug abuse, rewards the brain and introduces persistent behaviour despite the knowledge of its bad consequences. These are known as Behavioural Addictions. Gambling, compulsive buying, sexual addiction (Excessive indulgence in sex / pornography contents), internet / gaming addiction are classified as Behaviour Addictions. Recent diagnostic classifications ICD-11 has included gaming disorder in its list of disorders. These behaviors are characterized by impaired control over behaviours, tolerance, withdrawal like symptoms, compulsive behaviour despite harm, difficult to control the addictive behaviour and higher importance given to it in comparison to other activities.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment commonly used in patients with severe major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder that has not responded to other treatments. ECT involves a brief electrical stimulation of the brain while the patient is under anesthesia. It is typically administered by a team of trained medical professionals that includes a psychiatrist, an anesthesiologist and a nurse / ward assistant.

Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a diagnostic test for epilepsy in which electrodes are put on the scalp which measures the electrical activity of the brain cells and graphically records it on the computer.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (RTMS) is a medical treatment used in patients with major depression, OCD & psychosis where certain areas of the brain are stimulated by applying a magnetic coil over head. It does not require anaesthesia and is a non-invasive procedure. Patients having metallic implants or pins in their bodies should not undergo this procedure.

It is best if a patient takes a physical consultation (walk-in / in person) as far as possible. However, if a patient is non-cooperative or is having time constraints due to other reasons, a video consultation may be opted for a few sessions. For best results, we recommend sessions where the person is physically present.

Patients due to their psychiatric illness may become violent, non-cooperative and unmanageable at home sometimes. In such moments of crisis, a home visit of a psychiatrist or a team’s assistance may be required.