Indian Journal of Medical Psychiatry

Psychologists and psychiatrists play vital roles in mental health care. Psychology evolved from philosophical inquiries into the mind to a formal field of study, marked by systematic investigations into behavioural and cognitive processes. Psychiatry is a branch of medicine focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health disorders. Talk therapy is a form of mental health treatment used both by psychologists and psychiatrists to address the emotional, behavioural, and psychological issues. In addition, licensed counsellors, social workers, and psychiatric nurses are among the professionals who offer talk therapy. There are different types of talking therapy such as one-to-one, in a group, online, over the phone, with family, or with partner. Bhuta Vidya is the branch of traditional medicine that addresses mental and psychosomatic disorders attributed to “bhutas” [spirits or supernatural causes]. Modern medicine often describes it to encompass conditions arising from unknown or complex factors. The equivalent of Bhuta Vidya in this view tends to be Psychiatry or Neuropsychiatry and Psychological problems. Talk therapy is common to both traditional and modern medical practices in psychology and psychiatry. This paper is a study report on associated Indic traditions.

Background: Suicide and suicide attempts represent significant global public health concerns, particularly in developing countries like India. Stressful life events (SLEs) are recognized as critical risk factors for suicidal behavior (SB), yet limited research in India has directly compared the impact of SLEs between completed suicides and suicide attempts. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the role and comparative impact of SLEs in individuals who died by suicide versus those who attempted suicide in Khammam, Telangana. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Government General Hospital, Khammam, from 2024 to 2025. Out of 624 individuals with documented SB, 186 participants were randomly selected 154 with suicide attempts and 32 with completed suicides. Data on socio-demographics and SLEs were collected via hospital records, structured interviews, and a culturally adapted Life Events Questionnaire. Statistical analyses, including logistic regression, were conducted to identify predictors of suicide. Results: Completed suicides were predominantly male (71.9%) and in the 26–40-year age group, whereas suicide attempts were more common in younger individuals (10–25 years) and females. The mean SLE score was significantly higher in suicides (552 ± 23.75) than in attempts (447 ± 27.06; p=0.001). Financial problems (OR=11.9), early marriage (OR=4.97), and family conflicts (OR=2.53) were the strongest predictors of completed suicide. Higher income, self-employment, and exposure to new environments also independently increased suicide risk. Conclusion: SLEs are strongly associated with increased suicide risk, particularly financial distress, early marriage, and family conflicts. Targeted interventions addressing these stressors, alongside socio-cultural factors, are imperative for suicide prevention strategies in rural and semi-urban Indian settings.

Chemotherapy has markedly improved cancer survival outcomes, yet its unintended impact on cognitive function commonly referred to as chemobrain has emerged as a significant survivorship concern. Chemobrain is characterised by deficits in memory, attention, executive functions, and processing speed, affecting up to 75% of patients during treatment and persisting in approximately one-third of survivors. Its pathophysiology involves multiple mechanisms, including direct neurotoxicity, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, hormonal dysregulation, and disruption of the blood brain barrier. Clinical manifestations such as mental fogginess, memory lapses, and reduced multitasking ability substantially impair daily functioning, emotional well-being, and work productivity. Diagnosis requires a multidimensional approach incorporating patient history, neuropsychological testing, neuroimaging, and biomarker evaluation. Management strategies include pharmacological interventions, lifestyle modifications, cognitive rehabilitation, and comprehensive nursing care. Nurses play a pivotal role in early detection, patient education, interdisciplinary coordination, and ongoing psychosocial support. Understanding the mechanisms, risk factors, and evidence-based interventions for chemobrain is essential for optimising survivorship care and enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients.

Scrub typhus is a vector borne febrile illness caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. Psychiatric manifestations in the absence of organic pathology associated with scrub typhus is rare. Here is a 20-year-old female who had acute febrile illness. Within 1 week of onset of illness patient developed visual hallucinations, auditory hallucinations, persecutory delusions and referential ideation. Lab investigation positive for O. tsutsugamushi Ig M, CSF analysis and MRI brain were normal. Diagnosis of Organic hallucinosis and Scrub typhus was made and treated with risperidone doxycycline and paracetamol. Acute psychosis is a rare complication of scrub typhus which may require independent treatment.