Do Indian Researchers Read Indian Research? a Reappraisal, Four Years Later

Sir, This is in response to the article' Do Indian researchers read Indian research? a reappraisal, four years later', published in April 2000 (No.2, f Vol.42) issue of your journal. The authors of this article have documented their observations on my article 'Transsexualism in Schizophrenia : a case report' (April, 1998, Vol.40, No.2) that I did not refer to their article, 'Behaviour Therapy for Trans-sexualism' (July,1995, Vol.37, No.3) in my paper. The authors cited this case as an example of the fact that Indian (Psychiatric) Researchers do not read Indian (Psychiatric) Research Published in Indian Journal of Psychiatry. Without going through the contents of my article, the authors seem to have concluded that an article on transsexualism must be referenced in all subsequent publications on transsexualism irrespective of its relevance. This article in question deals with the treatment of transsexualism with behaviour therapy while my paper is a case report on transsexualism with schizophrenia with the focus of the article being entirely on manifestation of transsexualism in the setting of schizophrenia or psychosis. Not only I did not refer to the authors' above mentioned "Indian" article, I also did not refer to several other "not-Indian" articles on transsexualism. The focus of both the articles is different and I did not find it appropriate to mention that article in my paper through I am well aware of its publication. Authors should have done some home work before reaching their conclusion This reflects how much authors themselves read Indian research. Indian Journal of Psychiatry is a valued possession for its readers and no one can take liberty to play with their sentiments by their irresponsible writings.