FAQ

Psychiatrist is a qualified specialist who has completed MBBS & MD Psychiatry and who is eligible to treat psychological and behavioural problems prescribing medicines, giving counselling & psychotherapy. Psychiatrist offer pharmacological, non-pharmacological and Brain stimulation methods in their treatment process. Psychologist is a non-medical person, who have completed B.Sc./M.Sc. or M.Phil. in psychology and who is eligible to give counselling, Relaxation exercises and do assessments. Psychiatrists and psychologists work together in treating a patient.

Dr. A John Dinesh is a Senior leading experienced Psychiatric doctor in Puducherry with numerous awards and recognitions in the field of mental health.

The duration of medications depends upon the severity and course of the disease.

It is a public myth that psychotropic medications have to be taken life long and they are addictive. It is not so, the medicines can be tapered gradually and stopped if the patient has achieved full remission and maintains improvement.

Not all psychotropic medications have side effects. Most of the recent psychotropic medications are safe and patient friendly.

There is a mind-body connection. When there is acute or chronic stress, anxiety or depression, it is reflected through bodily symptoms like disturbed sleep, decreased appetite unexplained body pain, lethargy, fatigue, heart pounding, tremors in hands, choking sensation, constant fear, abdominal pain and loose motions etc. When the mind related illness is treated there will not be any of the above given bodily symptoms.

Yes, Psychiatrists are experts in treating alcohol, tobacco, opioid and cannabis dependence. Psychiatrist treat male sexual dysfunctions like Premature ejaculation and Erectile dysfunction.

No, getting married a person with mental illness does not solve his behavioural and emotional problems. Persons with psychological illness can definitely get married after taking appropriate guidance and treatment from psychiatrist for his or her illness.

Psychiatrist take complete history of patient’s illness do a thorough mental status examination. Once patient’s diagnosis is ascertained, after doing appropriate laboratory investigations and Neuroimaging (if required) patient’s illness is treated with medications and counselling & Psychotherapy.

Yes, psychotropic medications can be taken with medicines prescribed for other comorbid medical or surgical illness. Patients can check with their psychiatrist in case of doubt about drug interactions.

It is not advisable to buy the psychotropic medications over the counter without doctor’s advice.