Psychiatrists are specialist physicians, trained to deal with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders.
Psychiatry is one of the oldest medical specialty areas. Psychiatrists collect and maintain patient information and records, including their developmental, emotional, social and medical history, obtained from the patients, their relatives or other professionals. They then examine the patient or conduct laboratory or diagnostic tests on them, to provide information on their general physical condition or mental disorder. The patient data or test findings are then analysed to diagnose the nature or extent of the mental disorder, then the psychiatrist prescribes, directs or administers psychotherapeutic treatments or medications to treat the mental, emotional or behavioural disorders.
They design individualised care plans, using a variety of treatments, and collaborate with physicians, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses or other professionals to discuss the treatment plans and progress. Treatment of mental illnesses usually involves a combination of psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, hospitalisation and medication. Psychotherapy involves regular discussions with patients about their problems; the psychiatrist helps them to find solutions through changes in their behavioural patterns, the exploration of their past experiences, or group and family therapy sessions. Psychoanalysis involves long-term psychotherapy and counselling for patients. In many cases, medications are administered to correct chemical imbalances that cause emotional problems. They advise or inform the guardians, relatives or significant others of the patients' condition or treatment. Outpatients or other patients are counselled during office visits.
Psychiatrists also attend conferences or seminars, may be involved in research and publish their findings to increase the understanding of mental, emotional or behavioural states or disorders, or teach at universities. In addition they may serve on committees to promote or maintain community mental health services or delivery systems, or serve as consultants to courts, special schools and community agencies, preparing and submitting case reports.
Areas of specialisation include: