Mental Health & Clinical Psychiatry Course | IIT Kharagpur | Prof. Arijita Banerjee

Course Details

Demystifying the Mind: A Foundational Course in Mental Health & Clinical Psychiatry

In today's fast-paced world, understanding mental health is no longer a niche interest but a critical component of overall well-being and healthcare. For students and professionals in medicine, nursing, and psychology, a solid foundation in clinical psychiatry is essential. The course "Basics of Mental Health & Clinical Psychiatry", offered with expertise from IIT Kharagpur, provides a comprehensive, 8-week journey into this vital field.

Meet Your Expert Instructors

This course is guided by two distinguished professors, bringing together deep expertise in physiology and clinical psychiatry.

Prof. Arijita Banerjee (IIT Kharagpur) holds a DNB and MD in Physiology. With residency experience at prestigious institutes like PGIMS Rohtak and Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi, she now serves as an Assistant Professor at the Dr. BC Roy Multi-speciality Medical Research Centre, IIT Kharagpur. Her research focuses on the neural control of cardiorespiratory function. A lifetime member of the American and Indian Physiological Societies, Prof. Banerjee brings a rigorous, research-backed understanding of the brain's physiology to the course.

Prof. Sumit Kumar is a faculty member in the Psychiatry department at ICARE Medical College, Haldia. His rich clinical background includes associations with top-tier institutions such as NIMHANS Bangalore, JSS Mysore Medical College, and Tata Main Hospital. As a co-author of numerous academic chapters and research papers, Prof. Kumar provides invaluable real-world clinical insights into psychiatric disorders and their management.

Course Overview: What You Will Learn

This undergraduate-level, multidisciplinary course is designed to provide an introductory yet thorough exposure to psychiatric disorders. It emphasizes concept-based learning, exploring how mental health and illness are influenced by social and neurochemical factors, and the interventions that promote mental well-being.

Intended Audience: MBBS students, BSc Nursing students, and Clinical Psychology students.
Prerequisites: Enrollment in or completion of MBBS, BSc Nursing, or BA Psychology programs.
Industry Support: Recognized by the broader Healthcare sector.

Detailed 8-Week Course Layout

The curriculum is meticulously structured to build knowledge from the ground up, starting with the brain's biology and progressing to complex disorders and treatments.

Week 1-2: Building the Foundation

The first two weeks lay the essential groundwork in neuroscience.

• Week 1: Neuro-anatomy – Cerebellum, Basal Ganglia, Thalamus, Hypothalamus, and Cerebral Cortex.
• Week 2: Neurophysiology – Synapses, Neurotransmitters, the Limbic System, Physiology of Emotion, and Reticular Formation.

Week 3-5: Understanding Psychiatric Disorders

This core section delves into the description, etiology, and physiology of major mental health conditions.

• Week 3: Personality development, Psychopathology, Schizophrenia, and Mood Disorders.
• Week 4: Anxiety Disorders, Eating Disorders, and the Physiology of Sleep.
• Week 5: Sleep Disorders, Learning & Memory, and Neurocognitive Disorders (e.g., dementia).

Week 6-8: Interventions, Treatments, and Special Topics

The final weeks focus on management, therapeutic approaches, and specialized areas.

• Week 6: Substance Abuse, Psychosomatic Illness, and Emergency Psychiatry.
• Week 7: Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychological Therapies (CBT, etc.), and Psychological Tests.
• Week 8: Pharmacotherapy (Antipsychotics, Antidepressants, Mood Stabilizers, Anxiolytics) and Forensic Psychiatry.

Essential Reference Books

The course content is supported by seminal texts in psychiatry and neuroscience, ensuring academic depth and reliability:

• Kaplan & Saddock’s Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry (10th edition)
• Oxford Book of Psychiatry (3rd edition)
• Neuroanatomy & Neurophysiology (Thieme)
• Guyton & Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology (14th edition)

Why Enroll in This Course?

This course is more than an academic module; it's a bridge between basic science and clinical practice. For aspiring healthcare professionals, it offers:

• Integrated Learning: Connects neuroanatomy and physiology directly to psychiatric symptoms and disorders.
• Holistic Perspective: Covers biological, psychological, and social factors influencing mental health.
• Clinical Relevance: Details evidence-based treatments, including both psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.
• Expertise: Learn from leading educators with significant research and clinical experience.

Whether you aim to specialize in psychiatry, enhance your general medical practice, or build a strong foundational knowledge in mental health, this course provides the critical tools and understanding necessary to navigate the complexities of the human mind and contribute effectively to the healthcare sector.

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