Few moments in medicine are as emotionally challenging as telling a patient that life may never be the same again. Whether informing someone about a diagnosis of schizophrenia, cancer, dementia, or a poor prognosis, breaking bad news is a task that demands not only clinical knowledge but also compassion, patience, and communication skills. Bad news […]
INVITED ARTICLES
Stress and Its Components
“When will it get better, Doctor?” your patient asks. And somewhere inside you, a quieter voice asks the very same thing. Before we reach for the textbook, sit with that for a moment. Because stress is not something we will only encounter in our patients, many of us are already living it. Hans Selye defined […]
Verbal, Non-Verbal, and Written Communication Skills: A Psychiatric Perspective
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 […]
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, […]