FAQ’S

  • Adults

  • Since personality is a part of characteristics, can we treat personality disorder?

    Personality disorder is a clinical condition and its symptoms can be successfully managed and treated with effective timely treatment. For personality disorders, treatment focuses on skill building which leads to overall personality development, while ensuring improved social and occupational adjustment. 

  • Do I need to see a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist?

    A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specialized in mental illnesses and can prescribe medicine along with providing basic psychosocial support. Clinical psychologist has a specialised training in mental disorders, helping in accurate diagnosis and imparts therapy. When faced with a mental health issue, individual can reach to any qualified psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. They would refer to their esteemed colleagues as per the diagnosis.

  • How do I know I need help?

    If you are experiencing issues in your life that are distressing and causing trouble in important areas including work and personal life, you should seek help. If you are having trouble with sleep, distressing thoughts, trouble at work, poor concentration, constant fatigue, mood disturbance and unnecessary fears, it is advisable to get professional help to address and resolve the problems. 

  • I feel shy and judged easily. Do you think I would be able to open up to counselling?

    As a professional, I have been trained to be non-judgmental. We can begin with rapport formation and may have initial few sessions, where we get to know basic details about you. Once, you are comfortable, we would begin the sessions. I will ensure a permissive and friendly environment as I believe that even the silliest of our concerns need to be addressed. So hopefully, we will be able to connect the chord. 

  • Children

  • If I take my child to a mental health professional, wont his self-esteem suffer?

    It all depends on your attitude. If the child sees that you give dignity to people with mental health problems, they won’t feel bad about visiting a counsellor or doctor.

  • If I suffer from a psychiatric problem, is it likely that my children will also be affected?

    If you suffer from certain types of mental illnesses, your child will have a slightly greater chance of developing them as well. But there is also a fair possibility that they may not be affected.

  • Can children have psychiatric problems?

    Yes, some problems are present since early childhood like autism, ADHD or Dyslexia. Some problems develop later like depression, OCD or Bipolar Disorder. 

  • Can mental health professionals increase IQ in children?

    Psychological treatment can increase a child’s ability to concentrate and reduce emotional turmoil which may improve their academic performance.

  • Psychiatric Medicine

  • Does psychiatric medicine reduce our ability to make love or have children?

    These medicines do not affect our ability to have children. Some medicines cause low sexual desire. Talk to your doctor if that is the case.

  • Does psychiatric medicine turn us into zombies?

    Not at all. Modern day medicine does not slow us down or make us sleepy. Talk to your doctor about any side effects that you may be having.

  • Psychiatric medicine needs to be taken lifelong. Your comments.

    Not true. Most mental health conditions need treatment for a limited period. Some illnesses like Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder may need maintenance therapy.

  • Substance Use

  • What is behavioural addiction?

    Addiction to internet, pornography or gambling is termed as behavioural addiction. They can also be treated effectively like substance dependence. 

  • How can you treat substance dependence?

    The right combination of psychotherapy, medicines for withdrawal symptoms and anti-craving drugs are very effective in treatment of drugs/alcohol dependence or smoking.

  • If my husband consumes alcohol, then he must be frustrated. Isn’t it my fault?

    No, it’s either in his genes or he is not good at handling stress. Family members suffer from guilt which is often unfounded.

  • People who consume alcohol or drugs do so voluntarily, how does a psychiatrist help?

    Contrary to popular belief, substance use disorder is an illness not a moral weakness. Their brain structure and functions are often different and many inherit this disorder from their family. They need treatment not ostracization.

  • Psychotherapy

  • Do we get medical insurance for counselling sessions?

    Medical insurance does not cover counselling sessions. However, we have therapy packages to make it economical for the clients. 

  • How do I know which therapy would be best for me?

    On the basis of the diagnosis and existing symptoms, psychologist chose the right therapy suited to meet your needs. Many researches have been done to see the effectiveness of existing psychotherapies on specific disorders. This also would guide the professionals in choosing the latest and most suitable psychotherapy for the client.

  • What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

    Counselling is mostly talking therapy, focusing on solving minor life issues and conflicts whereas psychotherapy is a structured evidence-based approach to the treatment of mental illness. Psychotherapy is mostly time limited and aims to work on specific symptoms with therapeutic cognitive and behavioural techniques.v

  • How frequent are the sessions? Can I contact you on call in between sessions?

    Psychotherapy is usually done one in a week initially and then we do two sessions in a month. Usually we need 12-16 sessions approximately to resolve any concern. I am available on call and text during emergency or during any crisis situation. Usually we limit phone conversations to minimum. 

  • Senior Citizens

  • My grandfather has chronic gastric problem. However, no medical causes can be identified. Can you treat this?

    Yes. Many a times physical symptoms can be a manifestation of psychological stress when medical investigation rules out any known physical illness. Thus, stress induced  physical symptoms can be effectively controlled with medication, relaxation training and cognitive restructuring.

  • My grandfather has withdrawn socially and doesn’t seem to be enjoying many of the things he used to enjoy. How can we find out if he is depressed?

    Social withdrawal can be related to many geriatric symptoms including hearing impairment, dementia or depression. Mental health professionals can screen for depression or associated neurological impairment and provide best professional support. 

  • Is Dementia curable?

    Dementia is a progressive and irreversible condition. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, we can manage and control the deterioration in symptoms. Neuropsychiatric rehabilitation also would help in restoring the cognitive functioning with required socio-adaptive skills. 

  • My parents are approaching 80. What can be done to help them stay mentally healthy?

    Encourage them to keep busy by engaging in social and physical activity. I recommend a good night’s sleep, balanced diet and regular consultation with physician. They can also do a few counselling sessions to feel heard and deal with death anxiety along with fear of losing spouse which is common at this age.