A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the treatment and diagnosis of a variety of mental illnesses. They are extensively trained in the field of mental health and can both diagnose and treat disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse and schizophrenia. A psychiatrist is knowledgeable about the causes of these mental illnesses, and is capable of providing treatment either through therapy or by prescribing specific medications for their patients.
Job Description
In comparison with other mental health professionals such as counselors, social workers and psychologists, only a psychiatrist is qualified and licensed to prescribe medications for people suffering from mental illness. In addition to this job role, they also offer other alternative methods of treatment that can be used in conjunction with prescription drugs, such as psychotherapy, or talk therapy. They also run diagnostic tests which will enable them to make a definitive diagnosis of mental illness. These tests can include medical tests such as an MRI or CT scan as well as an interview or discussion with the patient to get a complete medical history and a better understanding of their symptoms.
A psychiatrist can practice in a variety of settings including clinics, hospitals, prisons, nursing homes, research centers and many also have their own private practice. They often work in conjunction with other health professionals such as psychologists, social workers and general practitioners to help determine a diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan. Psychiatrists can also focus on a particular specialty, including children, addiction, sleep disorders, psychosomatic medicine and geriatric populations.
They commonly work with patients who have been struggling with mental illness for years, or patients who have developed sudden problems with symptoms of anxiety or depression. In addition to treating the patient and their illness, they can also work with family members and help them learn to manage and cope with mental illness.
Educational Requirements
Pittsburgh psychiatrists and others around the world must meet specific licensing and educational requirements before they are allowed to treat and diagnose patients. After the completion of an undergraduate degree, the student must first successfully complete four years of medical school before entering a residency program in psychiatry, which will take an additional four years to complete.
If the aspiring psychiatrist would like to focus on a particular specialty or work with a certain group of people, they must enter a fellowship program in which they will receive additional training in the specialty that they choose. In order to achieve board certification, a psychiatrist needs to pass oral and written examinations, which are given by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Re-certification is required every 10 years thereafter.
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