What are the opening hours?

Monday 09:00 - 17:30 Tuesday 09:00 - 17:30 Wednesday 09:00 - 17:30 Thursday 09:00 - 17:30 Friday 09:00 - 17:30

Synapse, Pakistan Neuroscience Institute

Home
Pakistan
Karachi
Synapse, Pakistan Neuroscience Institute

Synapse is a neuroscience institute that offers quality, evidence-based, integrated, and multidisciplinary services in the area of mind and brain.

At Synapse, Pakistan Neuroscience Institute, we aim to create a hub where we bring together divergent ideas from individual silos to converge for the promotion, understanding, and advancement of mental health in Pakistan. This space dreams to challenge assumptions and established worldviews to build a mental health ecosystem where unexpected connections are created and nurtured. Here we wish to be gap-bridgers. Here, we reimagine mental health.

16/09/2025

🌟 Wrapping up our Summer Internship at Synapse!

Over the summer, our interns explored how young people can challenge stigma around mental health, tell stories that matter through podcasts, reels, and research, and bring fresh perspectives to advocacy and outreach. A key focus of the program was on research — learning how to frame meaningful questions, explore existing literature, and begin building their foundation in research.

Through collaboration and creativity, they found new ways to spark conversations and amplify youth voices. The program closed with a certificate ceremony and an inspiring introduction to music therapy with Asif Sinan, where they experienced the healing power of sound.

This internship captured what Synapse is all about: giving young people the space to turn courage, creativity, and commitment into action, and carrying forward a vision of a future where mental health is understood and supported.

15/09/2025

Having completed our series on Teen Mental Health, today in the 36th episode of Bas Paanch Minute, Dr Ayesha talks about depression and clarifies how the illness of depressive disorder differs from emotional states of sadness, grief, and even depressed feelings.

We should remember that sadness and grief are a normal part of the human condition. However, if these feelings persist for two weeks or more and you feel unable to pull yourself out of these feelings, that is when sadness shifts into depressive disorder.

The most common symptoms of depressive disorder are:
1. Low energy
2. Loss of Interest
3. Sleep changes
4. Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
5. Loss of concentration
6. Hopelessness and helplessness
7. Changes in appetite and mood

If these symptoms persist for two weeks or more in you or someone you know, seek help from a psychologist, psychiatrist, GP, or another medical or mental health professional.

See you next week!

08/09/2025

Today, in the 35th episode of Bas Paanch Minute, Dr Ayesha talks about some issues which parents worry about a great deal and often end up banning or disallowing for their children. However, this is not the right approach.

Dr Ayesha reminds us that as parents we can be the ones to guide our teens on how to engage with these things in safe, healthy, and enriching ways.

The four things that parents tend to worry about and curtail their teens freedoms around are:
1. Smartphones
2. Social Media & AI
3. Gaming
4. Becoming Their Own Person And Differing From Our Expectations

These are realities which are here to stay. It is up to parents to help their teens navigate them as they develop their own personalities, tastes, and skills.

See you next week for another episode and a new topic!

02/09/2025

🎵The wait is finally over! 🎵

We’re so excited to announce the third edition of Unplugged, presented by the Youth Circle of Synapse (YCS).

📅 1st November 2025
📍 Aga Khan University

After two back-to-back sold-out concerts that turned youth mental health and wellbeing into a national conversation, Unplugged returns with even more energy, passion, and music.

More than just a concert, Unplugged is a movement—one that empowers young voices to break the silence and advocate for mental health through the transformative power of music. This year, the Ab Chup Nahin campaign will once again take center stage, reminding us all that silence is no longer an option.

Join us as we continue to create a fearless, youth-led platform where music meets mental health dialogue.

Stay tuned - more details coming soon! 🎼

01/09/2025

Episode 3️⃣4️⃣ : Don't Punish These Behaviors in Your Teens, Understand Them!

In our 34th episode of Bas Paanch Minute, Dr Ayesha continues to bolster our understanding of the teenage mind and some of common behaviors which parents end up punishing. However, these behaviors are perfectly normal and should be understood and expected in the context of their development.

The four behaviors she identifies are:
1. Having A Nasty or Sarcastic Attitude
2. Not Doing Chores or Simple Tasks
3. Arguing or Being Disrespectful
4. Zoning Out

For each of these behaviors she explains why they are normal, the reasons behind each of them according to the way their brains are developing, and what parents can do instead of immediately punishing their teens.

Are you a parent to teenagers and find it difficult to deal with these behaviors? If you found this helpful, send it to another parent who might also be struggling with the same things.

See you next week for another episode!

25/08/2025

Episode 3️⃣3️⃣: I Get So Upset With My Parents. What Can I Do?

We are back with the 33rd Episode of Bas Paanch Minute! This week Dr. Ayesha Mian is talking directly to teenagers who find themselves getting very frustrated with their parents over and over again.

In today's video, she lists out the following 5 concrete things that teenagers can do to better manage their relationship with their parents:

1. Be curious about your parents.
2. Communicate openly with your parents.
3. Be clear in your asks.
4. Seek out other trusted adults.
5. Understanding your parents limitations.

While no parent-child relationship can ever be perfect, each can be improved if you put this 5 steps into practice.

Let us know if you found this helpful or interesting, and send in your questions for future episodes.

See you next week for another Bas Paanch Minute!

18/08/2025

Episode 32: Parents, You Are Not Your Teen’s Friend

In our 32nd Episode of Bas Paanch Minute, Dr. Ayesha addresses another common belief among parents: “I’m my child’s best friend.”

While it may come from a place of love, Dr. Ayesha reminds us that parents are not meant to be their teen’s friends — they are meant to be their parents. And that role comes with unique responsibilities that no friend can fulfill.

She outlines four important reasons why parents should not confuse the two roles:

Responsibility for well-being and protection — Parents must ensure their child’s physical, emotional, and psychological safety.

Providing discipline and guidance — It’s the parent’s role to set boundaries and help teens understand right from wrong.

Filtering worries and struggles — Unlike friends, parents need to protect their children from being overwhelmed by adult concerns.

Supporting healthy individuation — Teens need space to form their own identity and build relationships outside the family.

When parents take on the role of “friend,” they risk blurring boundaries that are essential for a teen’s growth and resilience.

So, remember: your teen doesn’t need another friend — they need the steady guidance, love, and support that only a parent can give.

See you next week for another Bas Paanch Minute!

14/08/2025

78 saal pehle hum ne azaadi haasil ki… lekin kya hum waqai aazad hain? 🇵🇰

Today, on Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day, we’re not just celebrating — we’re reflecting.
Are we still imprisoned by illiteracy, poverty, bigotry, extremism, misogyny, patriarchy, colonial mindsets, intolerance, inequality, corruption, ignorance, and racism?

Freedom isn’t just about borders — it’s about breaking the chains within our minds and society.
What do you think it will take for us to truly be free?

Share your thoughts below!

09/08/2025

🌟Wrapping up our latest Clinical Internship at Synapse!🌟

Over the past weeks, our interns have immersed themselves in the world of clinical practice, gaining hands-on experience in interviewing, history taking, mental status examinations, and working through real-life case studies to strengthen their assessment and diagnostic skills.

Facilitated by clinical psychologist Farah Aftab, the program provided both practical exposure and valuable insights into navigating real-world mental health scenarios. It concluded with a certificate ceremony where interns reflected on their learnings, shared perspectives, and celebrated their growth.

We are proud of the dedication, curiosity, and compassion each intern brought to this program — qualities that will carry them forward in their careers in psychology and mental health.

Here’s to reimagining connections and shaping the future of mental health, one conversation at a time.

06/08/2025

SAME BRAIN, DIFFERENT STAGES
A Lifespan Guide to Brain Wellness

In celebration of World Brain Day, join Dr. Ayesha Mian from Synapse and a panel of distinguished experts for a webinar hosted by Aga Khan University’s Brain and Mind Institute.

Together, they’ll explore how brain development and wellbeing evolve from childhood to older adulthood and what we can do to support brain health at every stage of life.

🗓 August 7, 2025
⏰ 4:00–5:15 PM PKT
🔗 Register here: https://aku-edu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oGqBCqfMS_OIvDRMfunTXA #/registration

04/08/2025

Episode 30: How Do You Parent Teenagers?

We're here with the 30th episode of Bas Paanch Minute! Today, Dr Ayesha continues the conversation around Teen Mental Health but this time she talks about parenting. Specifically, How Do You Parent Teenagers?

Parents and teenagers often struggle to understand each other, so it is important for parents to remember that teens are going through significant changes in their:
1. Life
2. Brain
3. Body

All of these changes make their life actually much harder to manage. So parents' responsibility towards teens is to provide:
1. Safety
2. Soothing
3. Support
4. Structure

By doing this, parents can allow their teens the space and support to manage the social and developmental challenges teens will face.

If you found this video helpful or interesting, please share it with a parent of a teenager. And do let us know what else you would like us to address with regard to Teen Mental Health. See you next week!

28/07/2025

Episode 29: Understanding the Teen Brain

We're back with Episode 29 and continuing our series on Teen Mental Health! As promised, today Dr. Ayesha provides insight into Understanding the Teen Brain.

She talks about how different parts of the brain mature and fully develop at different ages. As a result of this the teen brain is structurally different from the adult brain which impacts teens' behavior.

Some of the key things to remember about teens & the teen brain are:
- executive functioning center or pre-frontal cortex is not developed
- emotional center or limbic system is fully developed
- have difficulty in decision making, impulse control, and regulating emotions
- have greater sensitivity to social cues
- have very high capacity for learning

Do let us know if you have any more questions about the teen brain or other aspects of teen mental health. See you next week!

Address

Suite# 1, 6th Floor, Mansoor Tower, Plot# G5, Khayaban-e-Iqbal, Main Block 8 Clifton
Karachi
75600

Opening Hours

Monday	09:00 - 17:30
Tuesday	09:00 - 17:30
Wednesday	09:00 - 17:30
Thursday	09:00 - 17:30
Friday	09:00 - 17:30

Telephone

+923098882224

Website

http://www.synapse.org.pk/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Synapse, Pakistan Neuroscience Institute posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Synapse, Pakistan Neuroscience Institute:

Shortcuts

Address
Telephone
Opening Hours
Alerts
Contact The Practice
Claim ownership or report listing

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Karachi?