Dr Anjalika Atrey, MBBS, DNB (Psychiatry, Sexology, De-Addiction Speciality) is a Consultant Psychiatrist, Sexologist, De-Addiction Specialist, Psychotherapist, and Stand-up Comedian based in Mumbai. She completed her MBBS from LLRM Government Medical College, Meerut, and her DNB in Psychiatry from KJ Somaiya Medical College, Mumbai.
With over seven years of clinical experience, Dr Atrey specializes in modern psychiatry with a focus on addiction recovery, sexual wellness, and complex mental health conditions. Her expertise spans the treatment of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, trauma, and relationship challenges, as well as alcohol and drug addictions.
Beyond the clinic, Dr Atrey brings a unique perspective to mental health through stand-up comedy, using humor to break stigma, foster open dialogue, and make conversations around mental health more approachable.
In a conversation with THIP Media, Dr Atrey talks about common mistakes patients make and why health literacy is important in patient care.
When a patient explains to you about their health problems, what are the most common mistakes they make in their communication?
One of the most common mistakes people make while communicating about their health is not reporting symptoms accurately—either minimizing or exaggerating them. Delaying reporting and coming in with preconceived notions from Google or AI tools also make diagnosis and treatment more difficult.
What does health literacy mean to you, and why is it important in patient care?
Health literacy isn’t just about medical knowledge; it’s about being aware of small day-to-day changes and understanding how they influence your well-being and those close to you.
If a patient is knowledgeable about the basics of their health condition, how helpful is it for the overall treatment procedure?
It’s always helpful when patients are knowledgeable about their health, as it allows for better communication and collaboration with their doctors. However, it’s equally important that this awareness comes from the right sources and an accurate understanding. Many patients believe they are well-informed because they read or hear about medical topics online, but this perceived knowledge can sometimes be misleading.
How much can medical misinformation impact treatment procedures?
Medical misinformation can significantly impact treatment procedures and overall patient outcomes. When patients rely on inaccurate or misleading information—often sourced from the internet or social media, they may develop misconceptions about their condition, medications, or treatment plans. This can lead to delayed diagnosis, refusal of necessary treatments, misuse of medications, or unrealistic expectations from therapy. As a result, it not only complicates the doctor–patient relationship but can also compromise the effectiveness of medical care.
What are the most common myths or misinformation you see your patients falling prey to?
Most common myths and misinformation are that psych meds are addictive and that you have to be “mad” to go to a psychiatrist.
What is your most common advice to patients to stay away from health misinformation online?
The most common advice I give to my patients is to pick their sources based on credibility.
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