Department of Psychiatry

Learning to diagnose and treat mental health conditions with empathy and insight

The Department of Psychiatry at Siddaganga Medical College & Research Institute (SMCRI) is committed to providing comprehensive mental health care, aiming to treat and support individuals experiencing psychological distress, mental illnesses, and behavioral issues. The department focuses on a holistic approach to mental health, integrating medical, psychological, and social interventions to improve the quality of life for patients and promote mental well-being. With an emphasis on patient-centered care, the Psychiatry Department at SMCRI offers a range of services for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of various mental health disorders. Our team consists of experienced psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and nursing staff who work together to ensure that every patient receives compassionate, evidence-based care.

Services Provided

The Psychiatry Department at SMCRI offers a full range of services for the treatment of various mental health conditions. These services are delivered through outpatient consultations, inpatient care, and emergency psychiatric services.

Psychiatric Assessment & Diagnosis

Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation: Thorough assessment and diagnosis of mental health disorders through clinical interviews, structured diagnostic tools, and psychological testing.
Psychiatric History Taking: Detailed exploration of the patient’s personal, family, and medical history to understand the underlying causes and triggers of their mental health issues.
Mental Status Examination (MSE): A clinical assessment to evaluate the patient’s cognitive function, thought processes, mood, and behavior.
Psychological Testing: Use of standardized tools for cognitive assessment, IQ testing, personality evaluation, and diagnosis of specific disorders like ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and mood disorders.

Common Mental Health Disorders Treated

Mood Disorders: Treatment for conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and dysthymia. This includes pharmacological therapy (antidepressants, mood stabilizers) and psychotherapy.
Anxiety Disorders: Management of anxiety-related conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and phobias. Treatment includes medication (benzodiazepines, SSRIs) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Specialized care for patients with OCD, offering a combination of medication and behavioral therapies (exposure and response prevention).
Psychotic Disorders: Treatment for schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and delusional disorder. The department offers antipsychotic medication management and psychological support.
Personality Disorders: Diagnosis and treatment of various personality disorders, including borderline personality disorder (BPD), antisocial personality disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder.
Eating Disorders: Care for individuals with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, incorporating a multidisciplinary approach with psychologists and dietitians.
Substance Use Disorders: Assessment and rehabilitation for individuals dealing with alcohol, drug, or substance dependence, including detoxification, counseling, and relapse prevention.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents, using a combination of medications (stimulants) and behavioral interventions.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Early diagnosis, intervention, and management for children with autism spectrum disorder, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills training.
Behavioral and Emotional Issues: Treatment for behavioral problems, learning disabilities, and emotional disorders such as separation anxiety, school refusal, and conduct disorders.
Adolescent Depression & Anxiety: Specialized care for adolescents facing depression, anxiety, or mood fluctuations due to developmental changes and external pressures.

Geriatric Psychiatry

Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease: Early diagnosis and management of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, offering support for both patients and caregivers. Treatment includes cognitive enhancers, behavior management, and lifestyle recommendations.
Late-life Depression: Management of depression in older adults, which may present differently than in younger populations. This includes pharmacotherapy and counseling.
Age-related Psychological Issues: Care for mental health issues in the elderly, such as loneliness, grief, and stress related to aging or loss.

Psychotherapy and Counseling

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A structured, evidence-based therapy for patients with anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders, aiming to identify and change negative thinking patterns and behaviors.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): A therapy technique focused on emotion regulation and distress tolerance, often used for individuals with borderline personality disorder and mood regulation issues.
Supportive Psychotherapy: Therapy aimed at providing emotional support, helping patients cope with daily life stresses, grief, and personal struggles.
Family Therapy: Involvement of family members in therapy to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and support the patient in their recovery journey.

Pharmacotherapy

The Psychiatry Department at SMCRI uses evidence-based medication regimens tailored to each patient’s needs. Medications used may include:

Antidepressants: SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics for managing depression and anxiety disorders.
Antipsychotics: Used for managing psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, delusional disorder, and bipolar disorder.
Mood Stabilizers: Medications like lithium for managing bipolar disorder.
Anti-anxiety Medications: Benzodiazepines and SSRIs for anxiety management.
Stimulants & Non-stimulants: Used for the treatment of ADHD in children and adults.
Sedatives and Sleep Aids: For patients with insomnia or sleep-related issues.

Inpatient Psychiatric Care

Psychiatric Admissions: The department provides inpatient care for individuals with acute psychiatric conditions, such as severe depression, psychosis, and suicidal ideation. This includes 24/7 monitoring and a structured therapeutic environment.
Crisis Intervention: Specialized care for patients in psychiatric crises, including emergency psychiatric services and stabilization.
Group Therapy: Group therapy sessions for individuals in inpatient care, providing a supportive environment where patients can share experiences, develop coping strategies, and learn from others.
Rehabilitation Programs: Programs for individuals with chronic mental health disorders that focus on skills development, social reintegration, and community involvement.

Neuropsychiatry

Psychiatric Disorders with Neurological Etiologies: Treatment for psychiatric symptoms associated with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Care for individuals with brain injuries who experience changes in cognition, behavior, or emotional regulation.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

ECT: Administered under strict medical supervision, ECT is offered as a treatment for severe depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder that has not responded to other treatments. This procedure is performed in a safe, controlled environment with appropriate anesthetic and muscle relaxants.

Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry

Consultation Services: The department also provides consultation to other departments within the hospital to assess the mental health status of patients being treated for other medical conditions, especially in the case of patients with co-morbid psychiatric disorders or those experiencing psychological distress due to physical illness.