NEET setback: Ahmedabad teens seek psychiatric help amid stress, anxiety

Ahmedabad: Pragnesh Mehta (name changed), an 18-year-old medical aspirant who had travelled to Manali-Dehradun with his friends to celebrate completion of the NEET-UG exam, has been put on antidepressants by a psychiatrist after he suffered a mental breakdown following the cancellation of the test.

“He has scored 90% marks in Class 12 board exams and was expecting to secure admission in MBBS, anticipating a score of 650 marks. He was shocked at the prospect of appearing for NEET again and has stopped eating and interacting with anyone. Worried about his extreme reaction, we asked him to cut short his vacation and consult a psychiatrist for help. His main concern is whether he will be able to perform as well in the new NEET as he did in the cancelled one,” said the boy’s father.





His is not an isolated case — city-based psychiatrists are reporting several cases in the past few days where patients complain of suicidal thoughts or show disinterest in the upcoming exam. Dr Kevin Patel, a city-based psychiatrist, said he is treating six patients, all Class 12 science students who recently appeared for NEET-UG, where the primary complaint is anxiety over the fresh exam.

“One must understand that these teens have worked for years in preparation, and were relieved of the pressure once the NEET-UG exam got over. Having to appear for the crucial exam once again and restart preparations is not going down well with them,” said Dr Patel, adding that they encourage teens to focus on the brighter side and devote themselves to preparation.

Dr Deepti Bhatt, psychiatrist and coordinator for TeleMANAS helpline at the Government Hospital for Mental Health in the city, said that they have received five calls so far from distressed students. The helpline run by NIMHANS at the national level has also issued an advisory for students.

“The advisory tells students that it is okay to feel overwhelmed, and they are not alone. We advise students to focus on what they can control and identify opportunities to reassess and improve preparations. We also ask them to remind themselves that they are more than an exam, and take one day at a time to maintain focus on their goals,” she said.

Dr Hansal Bhachech, a city-based psychiatrist, said that he is treating four patients affected by the re-examination. “One of them showed suicidal tendencies, while others are displaying signs of frustration, anger, and anxiety. There could be many more who have not approached the formal healthcare system,” he said.