What is Schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It may involve a break from reality (psychosis), with symptoms like hallucinations or delusional beliefs. It’s not the same as having a “split personality”; it’s a complex, chronic condition that requires long-term care.. What causes it? Schizophrenia is thought to develop due to a combination of biological and environmental factors, such as: An imbalance in brain chemicals like dopamine and glutamate A family history of schizophrenia or related disorders Complications during pregnancy or birth Drug use, especially during adolescence High levels of stress or trauma, particularly in vulnerable individuals What are the possible symptoms? Symptoms typically begin in late teens or early adulthood and include: Hallucinations: seeing or hearing things that aren’t there Delusions: strong beliefs not based in reality Disorganised thinking or speech that’s hard to follow Reduced motivation, social withdrawal, or flat emotional expression Poor concentration, self-care difficulties, and lack of insight into illness What do we do? Schizophrenia is managed by Dr. Prabhojit through careful evaluation, medication, and long-term support. Treatment includes: A detailed psychiatric assessment to confirm diagnosis and symptom pattern 01 Antipsychotic medications chosen and adjusted based on response and side effects 02 Therapy to improve communication, social skills, and coping strategies 03 Psychoeducation for the patient and family to support understanding and reduce stigma 04 Long-term monitoring and support to improve functioning and reduce relapse risk 05
What is Dementia? Dementia is a condition that affects memory, thinking, and everyday functioning. It’s not just forgetfulness; it gradually impacts communication, reasoning, and the ability to manage basic tasks. It can also cause changes in mood, behaviour, and personality over time. What causes it? Dementia can have several underlying causes and often results from physical damage to brain cells. Common causes include: Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s Stroke or reduced blood flow to the brain (vascular dementia) Head injuries or chronic alcohol use Infections like HIV or conditions like hypothyroidism A family history of dementia or cognitive decline What are the possible symptoms? Dementia symptoms usually appear gradually and worsen over time. These include: Memory loss, especially forgetting recent events Difficulty finding words or following conversations Getting confused about time, place, or familiar people Struggling with planning, decision-making, or basic tasks Mood changes, irritability, or withdrawal from social activities What do we do? Dementia is approached by Dr. Prabhojit with structured assessments, medical clarity, and sensitive care tailored to the individual. Treatment includes: Cognitive assessments to evaluate memory, attention, and functional skills 01 Medications to slow cognitive decline or manage symptoms like anxiety or agitation 02 Therapy and structured routines to support mental stimulation and reduce confusion 03 Support and education for caregivers to handle changes with empathy and confidence 04 Monitoring of health conditions that may worsen cognitive symptoms, like blood pressure or thyroid issues 05
What is it? Insomnia is a condition where sleep becomes difficult, either in falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrested. When it happens regularly, it starts to affect mood, focus, productivity, and even physical health. What causes it? Insomnia often doesn’t have one clear cause but can result from: Emotional factors such as anxiety, overthinking, or unresolved stress Poor sleep habits, including irregular sleep times or screen exposure at night Medical conditions like chronic pain, asthma, or acid reflux Substances, including caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, or certain medications What are the possible symptoms? Difficulty falling asleep, even when tired Waking up in the middle of the night, and not being able to fall back asleep Waking up too early without feeling refreshed Feeling irritable, foggy, or low-energy during the day Worrying excessively about sleep, which worsens the problem What do we do? As a psychiatrist, Dr. Mohanty addresses insomnia by identifying both the psychological and physical factors that disrupt sleep. Treatment includes: Detailed sleep evaluation including lifestyle, stress, and emotional health factors 01 Medications to aid sleep regulation, prescribed cautiously and only when necessary 02 Regular follow-ups to prevent dependency and fine-tune sleep patterns 03 Psychological support when insomnia is linked to anxiety or depression 04
What is OCD? OCD is a condition where distressing, repetitive thoughts (obsessions) lead to urges to perform certain actions or rituals (compulsions). While many people have repetitive habits, in OCD, these thoughts and behaviours are intense, time-consuming, and difficult to control, often interfering with day-to-day life. What causes it? OCD doesn’t have one known cause, but contributing factors include: Genetic predisposition – having a close relative with OCD or related conditions Changes in brain function that influence decision-making and the ability to manage urges or repetitive thoughts Stress or trauma, especially during childhood or major life changes Personality traits like high responsibility or fear of mistakes can intensify OCD patterns  What are the possible symptoms? OCD symptoms typically involve a cycle of obsessive thoughts followed by compulsive behaviour. Examples include: Obsessions: Fear of contamination, needing things to be in order, disturbing, intrusive thoughts Compulsions: Repeated handwashing, checking locks, counting, asking for reassurance Impaired functioning at work, school, or in relationships A strong need to “neutralise” the thought, even when knowing it’s irrational Significant distress when unable to complete a ritual How can we help? Dr. Mohanty takes a medical and personalised approach to treating OCD, focusing on restoring emotional stability and function. Treatment includes: Comprehensive psychiatric assessment to understand underlying causes and symptom severity 01 Tailored medication plans to regulate mood, improve energy, and ease emotional distress 02 Regular review and adjustments to ensure the best response to treatment with minimal side effects 03 Therapy where needed, to address deep-rooted emotional challenges 04
What is Depression? Depression is a medical condition where your mood stays low for a long time, not just sadness, but a deep sense of emptiness, fatigue, or hopelessness that affects how you eat, sleep, think, and interact with others. It can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming. What causes it? Depression develops from a combination of physical, psychological, and environmental factors. These may include: Chronic stress or emotional strain, especially if prolonged or unresolved Major life changes, such as loss of a loved one, illness, divorce, or financial difficulties History of trauma, especially in early life, can affect emotional regulation Medical conditions like diabetes, hormonal changes (e.g., postpartum or thyroid issues), or chronic pain A family history of depression or related mood disorders Certain personality traits and disorders, such as low self-esteem, high self-criticism, or borderline personality disorder, can increase vulnerability to depression What are the possible symptoms? Symptoms of depression go beyond mood and often affect the whole body. They include: Low energy and constant tiredness – even after rest Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or self-criticism Changes in sleep, either insomnia or oversleeping Appetite changes – eating too much or too little Irritability, indecisiveness, or forgetfulness Thoughts of self-harm or suicide in more severe cases How can we help? Dr. Mohanty takes a medical and personalised approach to treating depression, focusing on restoring emotional stability and function. His care includes: Comprehensive psychiatric assessment to understand underlying causes and symptom severity 01 Tailored medication plans  to regulate mood, improve energy, and ease emotional distress 02 Regular review and adjustments to ensure the best response to treatment with minimal side effects 03 Therapy where needed, to address deep-rooted emotional challenges 04 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help patients identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to depression 05
What is Anxiety? Anxiety is a state of excessive worry, fear, or uneasiness that doesn’t go away easily and starts affecting how you think, feel, and function. It’s more than just occasional nervousness; it can feel overwhelming, constant, and difficult to control, even in ordinary situations. What causes it? There’s no single cause of anxiety. It usually develops due to a mix of personal, biological, and environmental factors: Stressful life events like loss, separation, or ongoing pressure at work or home A family history of anxiety or related mental health conditions Personality traits like being overly cautious, perfectionistic, or sensitive to uncertainty Health issues, including thyroid problems or chronic illnesses Past trauma, especially in childhood, can make the brain more reactive to stress What are the possible symptoms? Anxiety shows up in different ways for different people, but common symptoms include: Persistent worry or fear that’s hard to control Feeling restless or constantly on edge, like something bad is about to happen Physical signs such as a racing heart, sweating, a tight chest, or shortness of breath Difficulty sleeping, often due to an overactive mind Trouble focusing or feeling mentally “foggy” Avoidance of situations that might trigger the anxiety Physical signs such as restlessness, heart palpitations, digestive problems, and poor sleep. What do we do? Anxiety is approached by Dr Prabhojit with care, clarity, and a treatment plan that suits you personally. Treatment includes: Detailed assessment to identify triggers and patterns 01 Medication will be recommended if anxiety is significantly affecting daily life; however, it is always tailored and monitored with care 02 Therapy sessions that help you understand your thought patterns, manage emotional triggers, and develop healthier coping strategies 03 Support for lifestyle changes that reduce long-term anxiety, such as sleep, routine, and exercise 04 Deep relaxation techniques including breathing techniques to support anxiety management and emotional regulation 05