About The Doctor
Dr Vandana Prakash is a Senior Consultant with 25 years of experience. She has done her M.Phil in Medical and Social Psychology from National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, (NIMHANS) Bangalore. Her Ph.D. is on “Stress, Perceived Control and Coping Behaviour of Adjusted and Maladjusted Adolescents”. She has contributed 7 chapters on adolescent suicide to various international publications. She has co-authored a book entitled “Conquering Pain: How to Prevent it, Treat it and Lead a better life” (2019). Her interest areas are depression, anxiety disorders like panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder, phobias, dissociative and conversion disorders, somatoform disorders in adults. Emotionally disturbed children, conduct disorder and children with learning disability are of special interest to her. She has expertise in psycho diagnostics and assessments related to neuropsychological disorders like dementia etc, learning disability and childhood-related disorders. She is a trained psychotherapist for both adults and children.
Specialization
- Mental Health & Behavioral Sciences
Awards
- Medal for Topping in College
- Merit Certificates for excellence in two fields (Creative Writing and Academics)
- First Prize in Sports, Creative Writing & Quizzing
Frequently Asked Questions About Mental Health
What are mental health problems?
Mental health problems include a wide range of experiences: some problems may be quite mild or moderate, while others may take on a more severe form, affecting a person’s ability to cope with day-to-day living. You may have heard about some of the more common problems, such as depression, anxiety, self-harm, eating disorders, schizophrenia, psychosis, stress and bipolar disorder. According to some estimates, 1 person in 4 may have some form of mental health problem in their lifetime. For as many as 1 person in 50, this problem will be serious enough to affect their ability to work or to form and maintain personal relationships. Although figures and definitions vary, what is clear is that millions of people in India will encounter problems themselves, or know someone else who does.
What are the Signs and Symptoms to be considered about?
- Recent social withdrawal and loss of interest in others. An unusual drop in functioning, especially at school or work, such as quitting sports, failing in school, or difficulty performing familiar tasks.
- Problems with concentration, memory, or logical thought and speech that are hard to explain.
- Heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells or touch; avoidance of over-stimulating situations.
- Loss of initiative or desire to participate in any activity; apathy.
- A vague feeling of being disconnected from oneself or one’s surroundings; a sense of unreality.
- Unusual or exaggerated beliefs about personal powers to understand meanings or influence events; illogical or “magical” thinking typical of childhood in an adult.
- Fear or suspiciousness of others or a strong nervous feeling.
- Uncharacteristic, peculiar behavior.
- Dramatic sleep and appetite changes or deterioration in personal hygiene.
- Rapid or dramatic shifts in feelings or “mood swings.”
One or two of these symptoms can’t predict a mental illness. But a person experiencing several together that are causing serious problems in his or her ability to study, work, or relate to others should be seen by a mental health professional. All of these signs can vary in severity. Often they can be relatively minor, or pass quickly. However, if they are particularly severe or distressing, or continue for more than a short while, you may want to seek support.
What causes psychiatric disorders?
Who is susceptible to psychiatric disorders?
Is recovery possible?
Yes. Advancements in medication are continually improving the outlook for people with a mental illness. Along with psychological and social supports, a majority can live active and fulfilled lives.
What are the benefits of taking treatment through MMT instead of directly from the doctor?
We provide services from top doctors across top hospitals to ensure that you get the best treatment.
