Dr Anshu Verma, MBBS, MD (Psychiatry), is a dedicated Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist based in Mumbai. She brings nearly 11 years of clinical experience, including over six years of focused practice in psychiatry. Over the years, she has worked across state and central government institutions as well as the private sector, gaining strong expertise in research, corporate mental health, and public mental health.
She has a special interest in women’s mental health, including perinatal and postnatal psychiatry, along with child and adolescent mental health, geriatric mental health, relationship concerns, and stress-related issues. With a strong foundation in both psychopharmacology and psychotherapy, she emphasizes a balanced and individualized approach to treatment. She is currently running her private practice.
In a conversation with THIP Media, Dr Verma emphasised that stigma related to mental health can only be removed by health literacy. Read more…
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 trying to use scientific or medical terms incorrectly instead of simply describing their symptoms in their own words. This can create confusion rather than clarity. Another major issue is that patients sometimes hide important information-whether intentionally or unintentionally-which can affect accurate diagnosis. Additionally, many people tend to filter out details they think are unimportant, but these small pieces of information often play a crucial role in understanding the full picture of their condition.
What does health literacy mean to you, and why is it important in patient care?
Health literacy is especially important in India, where multiple systems of medicine exist alongside modern medicine. This often leads to confusion, and at times, patients may receive misleading or conflicting information. When individuals are unable to clearly understand their health conditions or treatment options, it can affect their decisions and outcomes. In the field of psychiatry in particular, improving health literacy plays a crucial role in reducing stigma. When people are better informed about mental health, they are more likely to seek help, understand treatment, and move away from fear or misconceptions.
If a patient is knowledgeable about the basics of their health condition, how helpful is it for the overall treatment procedure?
If patients are aware of their health condition, it becomes much easier to plan and implement effective management strategies in the long run. Better understanding leads to improved adherence to treatment, timely decision-making, and more consistent follow-up, all of which contribute to better health outcomes over time.
How much can medical misinformation impact treatment procedures?
Medical misinformation can significantly impact the treatment process by creating doubt and confusion in the minds of patients. It may lead them to question medical advice or lose trust in recommended therapies. As a result, patients can develop biased or incorrect perceptions about the course of their illness and its prognosis, which can interfere with informed decision-making and adherence to treatment.
What are the most common myths or misinformation you see your patients falling prey to?
One of the most common sources of health myths and misinformation today is unverified content shared by influencers, including health influencers and life coaches. While they often present information confidently, their understanding is not always backed by rigorous scientific research. This “half knowledge” can be dangerous, as it may mislead patients into making poorly informed decisions about their health.
For instance, in the field of psychiatry, a common misconception is that all mental health conditions can be treated solely through talking or counselling. While psychotherapy plays a crucial role and can be effective for many conditions, this view is only partially correct. Several psychiatric disorders-such as severe depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia-often require medical treatment, including prescribed medications, for proper management. Relying only on counselling in such cases can delay appropriate care and worsen outcomes.
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 be mindful of where they get their health information from. Always follow authentic and credible sources. Prefer guidance from qualified medical professionals rather than relying solely on influencers. Most importantly, ensure that the information you consume is scientific, evidence-based, and backed by reliable research.
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
