Psychiatry stands at the crossroads of a fascinating journey that intertwines the mysteries of the mind with the intricate mechanisms of the brain. This book is an endeavor to guide students and practitioners through this complex yet captivating landscape, where the fields of psychiatry and neurology converge.
As the authors of this text, we have aimed to provide a comprehensive, yet accessible resource for MBBS and MD students specializing in psychiatry and neurology. We recognize that the journey through medical education is rigorous and demanding. Thus, we have meticulously designed this book to be both a reliable companion for in-depth learning and a quick reference for the busy practitioner.
We begin with an introduction to psychiatry – a field that, in its essence, seeks to understand, empathize, and heal the human mind. Recognizing the foundational importance of the central nervous system in understanding psychiatric conditions, we then delve into a concise exploration of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, focusing on aspects most relevant to psychiatric practice.
The core of this book is dedicated to an extensive examination of various psychiatric disorders. Here, we discuss both adult and child psychiatry, acknowledging the unique challenges and approaches required in managing mental health across different life stages. Our approach is one of clarity and depth, addressing each condition with the dual lens of scientific rigor and clinical empathy.
We have also included specialized topics that are often at the forefront of psychiatric challenges in modern society – addiction, sexual disorders, the interplay of violence and mental health, and the critical understanding of seizures and their differential diagnoses, including Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES). Furthermore, we have dedicated sections to diagnostic tools such as EEG, emphasizing their relevance and application in clinical practice.