The beauty of ‘Psychiatric Symptoms’ is that it’s normal variation is so common and seen in many people. Take for example, ‘sadness’ or ‘sleeplessness’. Everyone at some point have experienced it. But it needs to be determined if it is just sadness or is it ‘CLINICAL DEPRESSION’; is it just sleeplessness or is it ‘INSOMNIA’. One may just have a problem’ (Sadness) or a symptom (Depression) or a diagnosable disorder (Clinical Depression) that needs treatment. It takes good training and years of experience to see what is what and to give the best treatment for each one of these.
No. Having a problem tells me that you are human! Not an animal or a machine..
Every human being, at some point in their life, has some psychological issue. No one is immune to it.
Often we started with understanding the problem intoto.. A considerable time is spent in the first contact to understand it. Sometimes it may need additional sessions or regular follow up, during review, to pinpoint it correctly. Often what we see is that patients keep moving from one psychiatrist to another, even before the full picture is captured. Hence each Psychiatrist gives differing opinion, based on the different angles that the patient presented to them. In the end, the patient becomes confused and worried.
Counseling is the first step.. Life style modifications and adjustments in behavior are next. This is followed by discussions about the available treatment options and how to proceed further.
The most popular is ‘TALK THERAPY‘.. This is suitable for psychological issues.. But remember these take time and sustained effort- from both the therapist and the client.
The next option is treatment by giving MEDICINES. When medicines are necessary for patient, it will be discussed by the Psychiatrist and a joint decision will be taken by the Patient and the Psychiatrist. Medicines help to control specific symptoms. Every medicine on Earth will have both Effect and Side Effect. Remember to ask your doctor about it and feel free to clarify your doubts and worries about taking medicines. These medicines also will need 2-6 weeks to bring good relief, because of the Blood-Brain-Barrier. Some medicines may need to be taken for a shorter time and some for a longer time, so that the symptoms are under good control.
Often a COMBINATION of medications and talk therapy is needed.. Then there are special treatment modalities like E.C.T., Neuro Stimulation etc, which will need referral to specialized centers.
IMPORTANT: It is always advised that you COME WITH YOUR PARENT(S) OR SPOUSE. You can decide better and they will also understand and support you better.
Yes, if they have issues… there is a very good chance that by identifying and treating them early, these can be controlled and cured.
Sometimes the child’s problem is a reflection of the problems at home. Appropriate advice will be given for parents and also on how to handle the child better.
Allow us to see the issues in all neutrality. If a problem is found, we offer Couple counseling and Family interventions. It is better to know the problem and make corrections, rather than blaming one another.
As a prerequisite, please bring all your old medical and psychiatric records on the appointment day. Please bring a family member – PARENT(S) or SPOUSE or at the least a friend, who would support you. The Psychiatrist will meet you, your relative(s) – together and alone – get details about the problem. This will be followed by a group session and we shall formulate a treatment plan. Medicines may be prescribed, if needed. The next follow-up date and time shall also be informed.
Essential to bring along:
1. Past Psychiatric records – OP and IP records. Medicines, if any, that is taken currently.
2. Past Medical records & Current Prescription and drugs.
3. Parent(s) or Spouse or friend.
4. Water bottle
5. Light snacks (if diabetic)
5. Avoid bringing children. If bringing along, come with their care-taker who will look after them.
Use the below form to tell us about your problem and we will get in touch with you.