दिल की कलम से– OPD Kissa

Dr Rupali Karwa Choudhary writes

“The Million-Dollar Question”

Taking psychiatric history is a time-consuming process. Often, we must dive deep into the minute details of a patient’s biopsychosocial background and family roots.

A few days ago, a youngster was admitted to Samyak Rehabilitation Centre for poly-substance addiction, academic decline, and multiple other concerns. His parents, who belong to a high socio-economic background, began narrating the history of symptoms development.

While explaining, his proud father repeatedly emphasized that his son had been given a luxurious life with every possible amenity since childhood. He kept highlighting how privileged the boy was—“silver spoon upbringing,” as he called it. He proudly added that both parents hold top positions and earn exceptionally well.

I ignored the repeated boasts, but then he took out his phone and began showing me a video of their huge bungalow’s balcony.
With an even more prideful tone, he said:

“Madam, just see how big our balcony is!!!! He has everything—big bungalow, car, laptop, bank balance… there is nothing in this world that we have not provided him.”

I looked straight into his eyes and gently asked:

“What about quality time?
Did you provide that?”

And suddenly… there was a pin drop silence.
His eyes dropped.
No answer.

— Dr. Rupali Karwa Choudhary
Psychiatrist, Pune

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