Volume 5 Issue 3 Mar 2015
Neurology & Psychiatry: Is East is East and West is West?
Friends, neurology & psychiatry have evolved as two different specialties over a period of time with neurology dealing with the structural aspect & psychiatry dealing with functions of the mind. However, in clinical practice, a significant overlap of symptoms in various neurodevelopmental & neuro- degenerative conditions is seen which leads to diagnostic dilemma. Because of this interphase, many times patient keeps revolving to the clinician without getting a
diagnosis or remission and we wonder ‘whose patient is it anyways??’..
In an attempt of comprehensive clinical management of a patient, clinician needs to be aware of such interphase so as to carry out detailed history & clinical examinations to highlight neurological signs in a patient with psychiatric presentation & vice-a-versa. Early detection of such subtle signs & prompt referral to respective specialties may help in holistic recovery of patients. Ultimately, eyes only sees what mind knows!
Assistant Professor, MGMIHS, Navi Mumbai
