Dr. Sharayu balwaik

Psychiatrists are medical doctors, psychologists are not. Psychiatrists prescribe medication, psychologists can’t. Psychiatrists diagnose illness, manage treatment and provide a range of therapies for complex and serious mental illness. Psychologists focus on providing psychotherapy (talk therapy) to help patients.

Refers to a wide range of mental health conditions that affect your mood, thinking and behavior (or all 3) leading to difficulty in various aspects of our life. There are more than 200 mental illnesses. For examples of depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar mood d/o, eating disorders, insomnia and various addictions etc.

• In couples – relationship problems, sexual issues, infidelity, marital problems, maintaining work life balance etc.
• In children – ADHD, Autism, Learning problems, low IQ, anger issues, bedwetting, phone addiction, poor school performance, headache etc.
• In Elderly – forgetfulness, sudden behaviour change, insomnia, body coordination problems etc.

Psychiatrists diagnose mental illnesses based on detailed history and workup from the patient themselves and the family member if required. Apart from this a few blood tests or neuroimaging scan may be required to assess/ diagnose the condition. Psychiatrists undergo 3yrs of rigorous and extensive medical training to develop efficient skills to provide the best treatment plan possible for the patients coming to their OPD.

Mental illness has nothing to do with being weak or lacking willpower. It is not a condition people choose to have or not have. In fact, it requires great strength and courage to accept and ask for help. Anyone can develop a mental health condition.

This is a very common myth. Many believe it will worsen their symptoms of mental illness. And hence may avoid seeking help for and instead choose to manage their condition on their own.

Psychiatric medication is prescribed by a psychiatrist in a controlled and therapeutic dose to help manage symptoms of mental illness.

Certain medications, such as benzodiazepines, have certain addictive properties hence it is always advisable to take these in the prescribed format by your psychiatrist. If you feel you are facing this problem, seek consultation and your treatment plan will be revised.

This is a misleading statement. medications have been scientifically proven effective for managing symptoms of mental illness for years, even decades. To Some patients it may be prescribed for a short duration while to others it might be prescribed “maintenance therapy” for years to help manage their symptoms or prevent relapse. It is always advisable to maintain regular follow ups with your trusted psychiatrist to get the best treatment plan for yourself.

Mental illnesses affect all age groups even children they simply present different than adults. Problems in children / adolescents can exist despite good school performance and even in happy homes. Psychological issues in children and adolescents need to be assessed and managed early because if left untreated they are carried out to adulthood. They might need medications or various therapies depending on their condition.

The 1st session might last up to 1 hr during which detailed history will be collected. If further details are required, your family member or the accompanying person might be asked a few questions. At the end of consultation, based on the interview a provisional diagnosis will be formed and accordingly medicines or therapy might or might not be prescribed to you. Doctor might advice you certain blood tests or brain scan or psychometric tests to help assess/ track progression/ diagnose/ rule out medical conditions.

Confidentiality will be maintained during the visits and it is adviced to keep your medical records properly and maintain regular follow ups to the clinic.

All children below 18yrs of age have to be accompanied with an adult.