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Review
. 2024 Dec 24;16(12):e76306.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.76306. eCollection 2024 Dec.

The Life and Work of Prof. Dr. Antapur Venkoba Rao: The Enduring Legacy of an Innovative Mind

Nischal Krishna Macharla  1 , Ramya Rachel Jetty  1 , Aruna Kaki  1 , Tharini D  1 , Arul Saravanan R  1
Affiliations
Review

The Life and Work of Prof. Dr. Antapur Venkoba Rao: The Enduring Legacy of an Innovative Mind

Nischal Krishna Macharla et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Dr. Antapur Venkoba Rao, born on August 20, 1927, in Andhra Pradesh, was a pioneering figure in Indian psychiatry, often recognized as the "Father of Indian Psychiatry" and the "Father of Geriatric Mental Health." His exceptional academic achievements led him to specialize in psychiatry, where he made substantial contributions, particularly in the study of depressive disorders. Dr. Rao's influential research encompassed affective disorders, the clinical application of lithium, and the psychiatry of aging. Among his significant accomplishments, Dr. Rao identified "low melatonin syndrome," linking it to increased relapse rates and suicide risk, and established one of the world's largest lithium clinics. His work in transcultural psychiatry challenged the prevailing belief that depression was less common in India, revealing how cultural factors can influence suicide risk. As the Head of Psychiatry at Madurai Medical College and Editor-in-Chief of the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, Dr. Rao played a crucial role in shaping psychiatric education, research, and practice in India. His impact is further reflected in his numerous awards, including the prestigious Dr. B.C. Roy National Award, and his ongoing engagement in academia and research until his passing on September 25, 2005. Dr. Rao's enduring legacy is evident through his research, publications, and the many psychiatrists he mentored.

Keywords: depression; gerons; historical vignette; indian psychiatry; suicidology; venkoba rao.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Prof. Dr. Antapur Venkoba Rao (1927-2005)
Source: Reference [2] This image is not copyrighted, is in the public domain, and may be freely used for personal or commercial purposes without any restrictions.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Dr. Antapur Venkoba Rao. Katram B. https://www.ipinnovative.com/journal-article-file/2220 Telangana J Psychiatry. 2016;2:56–57.
    1. Dr. Antapur Venkoba Rao. Venkoba Rao. Indian National Science Academy. https://te.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%B0%A6%E0%B0%B8%E0%B1%8D%E0%B0%A4%E0%B1... https://te.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%B0%A6%E0%B0%B8%E0%B1%8D%E0%B0%A4%E0%B1...
    1. Depressive illness in India. Rao AV. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21966004/ Indian J Psychiatry. 1984;26:301–311. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Urinary melatonin in depression. Rao AV, Devi SP, Srinivasan V. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21847281/ Indian J Psychiatry. 1983;25:167–172. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Electrocardiographic changes during lithium treatment. Rao AV, Hariharasubramanian N. https://journals.lww.com/indianjpsychiatry/citation/1980/22020/ELECTROCA.... Indian J Psychiatry. 1980;22:135–141. - PMC - PubMed

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