With a surge in cyber attacks and assaults on social media, AIIMS has now started a special psychiatric OPD for people who are glued to internet and social media. According to the doctors, a wide number of schools students are slipping into serious psychiatric issues related to this and in such a case they need help.
In a conversation with TOI, Dr Yatan Pal Singh Balhara said that depression, anxiety and substance abuse was common in patients addicted to internet. Currently, 6-7 are being attended to daily while the psychiatrists believe that the cases are likely to go up as awareness increases. At present, the clinic is open for patients on Saturday, from 9am-2pm and the timings might be stretched according to the footfall.
Dr Nand Kumar, additional professor in the psychiatry department of AIIMS in a conversation with TOI said, “Cellphone addiction is another dangerous trend being observed. It is leading to short attention span, poor tolerance and decreased inter-personal communication.”
