Best books for Psychiatry in MBBS & NEET PG 2025

January 25, 2025
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Psychiatry, as a medical specialty, is often considered one of the most challenging yet fascinating subjects in MBBS and NEET PG preparation. With its vast scope, it requires a strong grasp of both theoretical concepts and practical knowledge. As students gear up for exams like NEET PG 2025, selecting the right textbooks is crucial for mastering the subject. Here’s a curated list of the best books for Psychiatry that will not only help you build a solid foundation but also excel in postgraduate entrance exams.

 

 1. Review of Psychiatry by Praveen Tripathi

Review of Psychiatry” by Praveen Tripathi is a comprehensive guide that has been updated to meet the needs of both MBBS and postgraduate students. This book is particularly popular for its thoroughness in addressing the syllabus required for NEET PG, AIIMS, and other medical entrance exams.

Key Features:

  • Comprehensive Updates: It incorporates the latest updates in Psychiatry, including the DSM-5 and ICD-11, two essential references in the field.
  • Postgraduate Entrance Focus: It is designed with a keen focus on the postgraduate entrance exams, making it an ideal choice for NEET PG aspirants.
  • INI-CET Pattern: Questions are updated according to the INI-CET exam format, ensuring that students are well-prepared for all types of entrance exams.
  • Revised Content: The book is based on the 10th edition of the Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry by Kaplan and Sadock, a gold standard in the field.
  • Mental Health Care Act: It covers important topics like the Mental Health Care Act, a crucial area for medical exams.
  • IBQs: The inclusion of Important Best Questions (IBQs) ensures that students are not only prepared for theory but also for clinical applications.

This book is perfect for students looking to solidify their understanding and stay updated with the latest trends in Psychiatry.

 

2. Psychiatry for Postgraduates by Satish Chandra and Dinesh Bhugra

This book provides a clear, concise, and organized approach to the subject of Psychiatry, catering to postgraduate students. It covers everything from the basics to advanced clinical scenarios, offering a deep dive into Psychiatry’s most important concepts.

Key Features:

  • Comprehensive and Authoritative: It offers a comprehensive review of Psychiatry, written by leading experts in the field, ensuring authoritative content.
  • Clinical Correlation: The book provides detailed clinical correlations to help students integrate theoretical knowledge with clinical practice, which is key for PG exams.
  • Case Studies: It includes numerous case studies that encourage active learning and better understanding of complex disorders.

 

3. Essentials of Psychiatry by Praveen Tripathi

This book offers a concise, student-friendly version of Psychiatry, designed to be a quick reference guide for MBBS students and those preparing for postgraduate exams.

Key Features:

  • Concise and Focused: It offers a more concise approach to Psychiatry, focusing on high-yield topics that are most commonly tested in exams.
  • Clear Explanations: The content is simplified for easy understanding, making it suitable for students looking for a quick and effective review.
  • Updated Content: With the latest updates from DSM-5 and ICD-11, this book covers the most current diagnostic criteria and treatment options.

For students who prefer a less detailed but highly effective review, this book is a great choice.

 

4. Short Textbook of Psychiatry by B. N. Gupta

A compact yet highly informative book, the “Short Textbook of Psychiatry” by B. N. Gupta is a trusted resource for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. It provides concise explanations of core concepts while maintaining clinical relevance.

Key Features:

  • Concise and Structured: The book is known for its structured approach to Psychiatry, making it easy to grasp key concepts in a short period of time.
  • Clinical Relevance: It contains clinical examples that are crucial for real-world application, helping students prepare for both theory and clinical exams.
  • Updated References: The latest editions incorporate updates from authoritative texts and recent research, ensuring that the content is current and relevant.

This book is a great option for students looking for a balanced approach—concise yet clinically applicable.

 

5. Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry by Kaplan and Sadock


The Kaplan and Sadock series is considered the gold standard in Psychiatry. Although it’s more detailed than some other textbooks, its in-depth coverage makes it indispensable for those aiming for a deep understanding of the subject.

Key Features:

  • Detailed and In-Depth: This is an authoritative, exhaustive resource that covers every aspect of Psychiatry in detail.
  • Clinical Focus: The text includes clinical cases and practical information to enhance learning and application of knowledge in real-world settings.
  • Latest Research: Kaplan and Sadock is updated with the latest research and treatment modalities, ensuring students are well-prepared for the cutting-edge developments in Psychiatry.

While it may be more suitable for postgraduate students due to its depth, undergraduates aiming for thorough preparation for NEET PG will find this textbook highly valuable.

 

6. Concise Textbook of Psychiatry by Venkoba Rao and S. K. Bhatia


This book offers a more concise overview of Psychiatry, ideal for MBBS students who need a compact reference. It focuses on core concepts, simplifying complex psychiatric conditions.

Key Features:

  • Compact and Easy to Read: The book’s concise format is ideal for students looking for a quick reference without compromising on quality.
  • Clinical Cases: It includes practical case studies, reinforcing theoretical knowledge with real-world application.
  • Student-Friendly: The content is designed to be easily understood, with clear explanations of diagnostic and treatment methods.

This book serves as a great revision tool for undergraduate students or as a supplementary resource for PG aspirants.

Psychiatry is an essential subject for MBBS students and a critical component of PG entrance exams like NEET PG 2025. Choosing the right textbooks can make all the difference in your preparation. Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive guide or a concise revision tool, these recommended books will help you cover everything from core concepts to advanced clinical scenarios.

In addition to traditional textbooks, DigiNEET comprehensive course is also an excellent resource for students preparing for NEET PG. DigiNEET offers a wide array of interactive learning tools, including video lectures, mock tests, and MCQs, designed to help students grasp complex concepts effectively. It complements the textbooks by providing a more dynamic, digital approach to learning, allowing you to revise on the go and stay updated with the latest exam patterns.

Make sure to integrate these texts and digital resources into your study routine, and you’ll be well-prepared to ace your exams and gain a strong understanding of Psychiatry. Good luck with your preparations, and may you succeed in your journey toward becoming a skilled medical professional.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Which is the highest degree in Psychiatry?

A doctorate degree in Psychiatry is the highest degree in the psychiatry field. If one wants to practice as a psychiatrist in the US, they have to earn an MD degree (Doctor of Medicine) or a DO degree (Doctor of Osteopathy). There is a difference between the two degrees.

  1. What is DNB in Psychiatry?

Diplomate of National Board in Psychiatry, also known as DNB (Psychiatry) or DNB in Psychiatry is a three-year postgraduate programme that candidates can pursue after completing MBBS. Psychiatry is the branch of medical science dealing with the treatment and prevention of various mental disorders and issues.

  1. What is the salary of psychiatric doctor in India?

Entry-Level: Psychiatrists, who are medical doctors, typically start with salaries ranging from ₹6,00,000 to ₹10,00,000 per annum. Mid-Level: With 5-10 years of experience, psychiatrists can earn between ₹12,00,000 to ₹20,00,000 per annum.

  1. What’s the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists prescribe medication, psychologists can’t. Psychiatrists diagnose illness, manage treatment and provide a range of therapies for complex and serious mental illness. Psychologists focus on providing psychotherapy (talk therapy) to help patients.

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