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Published on: Mar 03, 2023
2 minute read
By: Secondmedic Expert

How To Consult A Psychiatrist Online ?

Consulting a psychiatrist online can be a convenient and accessible way to receive mental health care. Here are some steps to follow:

Research online psychiatry services: Look for reputable online psychiatry services that offer virtual appointments. You can use search engines or online directories to find options.
Choose a psychiatrist: Review the profiles and credentials of the psychiatrists available and choose one that best fits your needs. Consider factors such as their area of specialization, experience, and availability.
Schedule an appointment: Once you have chosen a psychiatrist, schedule an appointment with them through their online platform or by calling their office. Many online psychiatry services offer flexible scheduling options, including evenings and weekends.
Set up technology: Make sure you have the necessary technology to participate in the virtual appointment, such as a reliable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone. Some psychiatrists may use specific telehealth platforms or software, so check in advance what technology is required.
Prepare for the appointment: Before the appointment, prepare any questions or concerns you want to discuss with the psychiatrist. Also, make sure you are in a quiet and private location where you can talk openly about your mental health.
Attend the virtual appointment: On the day of the appointment, log in to the virtual platform or software and attend the appointment. The psychiatrist will likely ask questions about your mental health history, current symptoms, and any other relevant information.
Follow-up: After the appointment, the psychiatrist may provide you with a treatment plan or refer you to other mental health professionals or resources. Follow any recommendations provided, and schedule any follow-up appointments as needed.
It is important to note that online psychiatry may not be appropriate for everyone, especially in cases where there are concerns about safety or the need for in-person care. It's important to assess whether online psychiatry is the right fit for your mental health needs, and to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Check insurance coverage: Before scheduling an appointment, check with your insurance provider to see if online psychiatry services are covered under your plan. Some insurance providers may have restrictions or requirements for virtual care.
Fill out necessary forms: Many online psychiatry services require you to fill out forms or questionnaires before your appointment. Make sure to complete these forms accurately and thoroughly to provide the psychiatrist with the information they need to make an accurate assessment.
Be honest and open: Like with in-person appointments, it's important to be honest and open with your psychiatrist during the virtual appointment. Discuss your symptoms and concerns openly and ask any questions you may have. The more honest and open you are, the better the psychiatrist can assess your mental health and develop a treatment plan.
Take notes: During the appointment, take notes on any recommendations, treatment plans, or referrals provided by the psychiatrist. This will help you remember important information and follow any recommendations provided.
Follow up with any concerns: If you have any concerns or questions after the appointment, don't hesitate to contact the psychiatrist or their office. Many online psychiatry services offer follow-up support or resources to help you manage your mental health.
Online psychiatry can be an effective way to receive mental health care, especially in cases where in-person appointments may not be feasible or accessible. By following these tips, you can make the most out of your virtual appointment and receive the care you need to manage your mental health.

Ensure privacy and security: It's important to ensure that the virtual platform or software used for the appointment is secure and encrypted to protect your privacy. Make sure to log in to the appointment from a private location where you can talk openly and confidentially about your mental health.
Test your technology in advance: Before the appointment, test your technology to ensure that your internet connection, webcam, and microphone are working properly. This will prevent any technical issues from disrupting the appointment.
Be patient and flexible: Like with in-person appointments, virtual appointments may sometimes experience technical difficulties or other unexpected issues. It's important to be patient and flexible, and to work with the psychiatrist to find a solution if any issues arise.
Evaluate your experience: After the appointment, take some time to evaluate your experience and reflect on how you feel. Did you feel comfortable and heard during the appointment? Did you feel that the psychiatrist provided helpful recommendations and support? This feedback can be useful for future appointments and for choosing the right mental health professional.

Remember, virtual appointments with a psychiatrist can be just as effective as in-person appointments for managing mental health. By taking these additional tips into consideration, you can make sure you have a positive and productive experience with your online psychiatrist.

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Yellow Eyes and Skin Symptoms: Causes, Warning Signs and When to Seek Care

Yellowing of the eyes and skin is one of the most noticeable physical changes a person can experience. Often referred to as jaundice, this symptom is not a disease by itself but a sign of underlying health conditions. Understanding yellow eyes and skin symptoms is essential because they frequently indicate problems involving the liver, blood or bile ducts and may require urgent medical attention.

In India, jaundice is a common presentation across age groups due to infections, liver disease and metabolic disorders.

What Does Yellowing of Eyes and Skin Mean?

The yellow colour appears due to excess bilirubin in the blood.

Bilirubin is:

a yellow pigment
produced from the breakdown of red blood cells
processed and removed by the liver

When bilirubin builds up, it deposits in tissues, causing yellow discoloration.

Why the Eyes Turn Yellow First

The sclera, or white part of the eyes, contains elastic tissue that binds bilirubin easily.

This makes yellowing:

more visible in eyes
detectable before skin changes

Yellow eyes are often the earliest sign of jaundice.

Common Causes of Yellow Eyes and Skin

Liver-Related Causes

The liver plays a central role in bilirubin metabolism.

Common liver causes include:

viral hepatitis (A, B, C, E)
fatty liver disease
alcoholic liver disease
liver cirrhosis
drug-induced liver injury

ICMR reports viral hepatitis as a major cause of jaundice in India.

Bile Duct Obstruction

Blocked bile flow prevents bilirubin excretion.

Causes include:

gallstones
bile duct strictures
pancreatic or bile duct tumours

This type of jaundice is often associated with itching and pale stools.

Blood Disorders

Excess breakdown of red blood cells increases bilirubin production.

Conditions include:

hemolytic anemia
malaria
inherited blood disorders

The liver may be overwhelmed despite being healthy.

Infections

Certain infections directly affect liver function.

Examples include:

hepatitis viruses
leptospirosis
severe sepsis

WHO data highlights hepatitis as a leading infectious cause of jaundice globally.

Newborn and Pregnancy-Related Causes

While common in newborns, jaundice in adults always needs evaluation.

Pregnancy-related liver disorders can also cause yellowing.

Associated Symptoms That Provide Clues

Yellow eyes and skin are often accompanied by:

dark yellow or tea-coloured urine
pale or clay-coloured stools
itching
fatigue
abdominal pain
loss of appetite

These symptoms help identify the underlying cause.

When Yellowing Becomes Dangerous

Seek urgent medical care if yellowing is accompanied by:

high fever
severe abdominal pain
confusion or drowsiness
vomiting
rapid worsening of colour

These signs suggest severe liver or systemic disease.

Jaundice and Liver Function

The liver normally:

conjugates bilirubin
excretes it into bile

When liver cells are damaged, bilirubin accumulates.

Lancet studies confirm jaundice as a key marker of liver dysfunction.

Diagnostic Evaluation

Doctors evaluate jaundice using:

blood tests for bilirubin levels
liver function tests
viral markers
ultrasound or CT scans
additional tests based on findings

Early testing identifies reversible causes.

Impact on Daily Life

Persistent jaundice can affect:

energy levels
digestion
mental clarity
work performance

Untreated liver disease can progress silently.

Treatment Depends on the Cause

There is no single treatment for jaundice.

Management focuses on:

treating infection
relieving bile obstruction
stopping harmful medications
managing chronic liver disease

Self-medication can worsen liver injury.

Role of Preventive Healthcare

Preventive measures include:

hepatitis vaccination
safe drinking water
limiting alcohol intake
regular health checkups

NITI Aayog emphasises liver health in preventive care strategies.

Lifestyle Factors That Affect Liver Health

Risk factors include:

excessive alcohol
obesity
high-fat diets
unsafe injections

Addressing these reduces jaundice risk.

Importance of Early Detection

Early diagnosis:

prevents complications
improves recovery
reduces hospitalisation

Delays increase the risk of liver failure.

Jaundice Is a Symptom, Not a Diagnosis

Understanding this distinction is crucial.

Treating the symptom alone:

does not resolve the disease
may mask serious conditions

Medical evaluation is essential.

Conclusion

Yellow eyes and skin symptoms are visible warning signs that should never be ignored. Most often linked to jaundice, they reflect underlying problems involving the liver, bile ducts or blood. Early medical evaluation, accurate diagnosis and timely treatment are critical to prevent serious complications. Recognising these symptoms and seeking care promptly can protect liver health and save lives.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Hepatitis and Liver Disease Reports
World Health Organization (WHO) – Jaundice and Hepatitis Guidelines
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Liver and Metabolic Health Indicators
Lancet – Liver Function and Bilirubin Research
NITI Aayog – Non-Communicable Diseases and Liver Health
Statista – Liver Disease and Hepatitis Trends

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