A Psychiatrist's Diary August 15, 2007

My First Day.

Shyam K. Bhat, MD

J Clin Psychiatry 2007;68(8):1303-1304

Article Abstract

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Dr. Venkatesh, Professor of Psychiatry and Head of the Department, had a thick mustache and a permanently disgruntled attitude.

"What is schizophrenia, I say?" he asked by way of greeting, as we stood in his small office, sweating in the Bangalore summer.

"Sir," I ventured, "it’s a psychotic disorder in which there are delusions, hallucinations, and decreased functioning."’ ‹