Communication is not merely the transmission of information but an observable expression of internal mental states, shaped by affect, cognition, and interpersonal dynamics. For undergraduate students, developing communication skills is fundamental not only for academic functioning but also for cultivating insight into self and others, an essential component of Psychiatry. Verbal communication encompasses spoken language […]
INVITED ARTICLES
Empathy: The Most Powerful “Prescription” in Psychiatry
A patient enters the OPD quietly. They avoid eye contact, sit at the edge of the chair, and answer every question with a hesitant “yes” or “no.” As postgraduate residents, many of us initially focus on symptom checklists and diagnostic criteria. “Sleep?” “Appetite?” “Suicidal thoughts?” The interview moves on. The checklist is completed. But the […]
When Scrolling Starts Scaring: Social Media and Health Anxiety
What begins as a harmless scroll can quietly turn into something much heavier. A few minutes on social media after work or before bed can quickly shift from light entertainment to exposure to a stream of alarming health content. Videos about silent symptoms, posts describing missed diagnoses, and warnings about everyday habits are woven into […]
From Mania to Meaning: Lessons from a Patient’s Recovery by Dr. Simran Sandhu
During the early months of my residency, I encountered a patient whose journey has stayed with me ever since. She arrived at the emergency department in a state of heightened activity: singing, dancing, and radiating an infectious energy. For a fleeting moment, her exuberance felt uplifting. Yet, this was not joy in its truest sense; […]
Balancing the Tightrope – Making Work and Life Work Together by Dr. Anirban Dutta
Being in the field of mental health for the last five years, one aspect that has created an awareness is the need to have a work-life balance. Everyone seems to have their own opinion about its definition and significance. Some may argue that work-life balance serves as a deterrent towards excellence, and people should strive […]
Addiction in Advancing Age – Risk Factors and Possible Solutions – By Dr. Anirban Dutta
Psychiatric disorders in the elderly population have been an area overlooked for decades, and within that, addiction is no exception. Use of alcohol, tobacco, illicit substances, and prescription medications is an arena that demands exploration regarding the impact it has on older people, considering the biological and social changes that accompany advancing age. As per […]
Binge, Scroll, Repeat: Understanding Modern Technology Addiction
Technology use today extends far beyond online gaming, and with it, newer behavioural addictions are becoming increasingly visible. One of the most common patterns is OTT binge-watching, where individuals watch multiple episodes or entire seasons in one stretch. Occasional binge-watching may be harmless, but repeated cycles can disturb sleep, reduce productivity, and lead to social […]
Antidepressants: Myths vs. Facts
Despite the widespread use of antidepressants in modern psychiatric practice, misconceptions and stigma continue to shape patient and professional attitudes alike. These myths not only lead to treatment hesitancy, missed diagnoses, and suboptimal outcomes but also complicate clinical decision-making for young psychiatrists navigating the realities of medication management. In an era of instant online information, […]
The Digital Mirror: Reflecting on Social Media and Adolescent Mental Health
In today’s hyperconnected world, social media has become an inseparable part of adolescent identity formation. While it offers a virtual playground for expression and belonging, it also poses subtle psychological challenges that clinicians increasingly encounter in practice. Adolescents often measure self-worth through “likes” and online validation — creating a fragile sense of identity vulnerable to […]
Ctrl + Alt + Delusions: Rebooting Life After Schizophrenia
Mr. A was the kind of patient one does not forget — a 30-year-old IT professional, meticulous, polite, and, until recently, the kind of man who could debug your server and charm your parents at the same time. But when he started insisting that his office AC vents were bugged and that the evening news […]