What
is a Psychiatrist?
What is a Psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a medical physician who specializes in
the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses,
including substance abuse and addiction. Psychiatrists are
uniquely qualified to assess both the mental and physical
aspects of psychological disturbance. Their medical education
has given them a full working knowledge of the many causes
for a patient’s feelings and symptoms. Armed with
this understanding, psychiatrists can make a complete, accurate
diagnosis and then recommend or provide treatment.
Why do people go to a psychiatrist?
People seek psychiatric help for many reasons. Life's usual
round of trials may become overwhelming. Relationships may
become troubled, or the pangs of anxiety - easily dismissed
before as simple "nerves" - may grow sharper and last longer.
The fresh-faced young newcomer down the hall at work may
seem to threaten a secure job, and headaches may start to
come literally one after the other. The emotions that arise
in reaction to everyday stresses and strains may blow badly
out of proportion, or may be strangely absent. Eating may
become a refuge, and sleep may begin to seem either irresistible
or elusive. Alcohol or drug use may get out of control.
The problems can be sudden, such as a panic attack or as
frightening hallucinations, thoughts or suicide, or "voices"
that whisper intrusive and incomprehensible things. Or they
may be more long-term-such as a pall of gloom that never
seems to lift, causing everyday life to feel distorted,
out of control, not worth living.
How do psychiatrists tell what is wrong with their
patients?
Because they are physicians, psychiatrists can order or
perform a full range of medical laboratory and psychological
tests that provide a complete picture of a patient's physical
and mental state. Their education and years of clinical
experience equip them to understand the complex relationship
between emotional and other medical illnesses, evaluate
all the medical and psychological data, make a diagnosis,
and develop a treatment plan.
How does one become a psychiatrist?
A person wanting to become a psychiatrist must complete
high school and college before entering medical school.
While there is no requirement for a particular major, college
students headed for medical school take required courses
in the biological and physical sciences (general and organic
chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics) as well as liberal
arts courses. The prospective psychiatrist may also study
social and psychological sciences and psychobiology. Most
psychiatrists and other physicians feel that a liberal arts
college education is the best preparation for medical school.
Medical students follow a standard curriculum, with only
a few opportunities for choice. In addition to chemistry,
biochemistry and physiology, students take courses in psychiatry,
behavioral science, and neuroscience in the first two years
of medical school. In the last two years, students are assigned
to medical specialty "clerkships," where they study and
work with physicians in at least five different medical
specialties. Medical students taking a psychiatry clerkship
take care of patients with mental illnesses in the hospital
and in outpatient settings. They also have an opportunity
to work with medical and surgical patients who may have
psychiatric problems or who have difficulty coping with
their illnesses. Because modern psychiatry places special
emphasis on the relationship between mind and body, students
pay special attention to issues of stress and physical illness,
prevention and behavior change, in addition to learning
to care for severely mentally ill patients. Newly graduated
physicians take written examinations for a state license
to practice medicine. After graduation, doctors spend the
first year of residency training in a hospital taking care
of patients with a wide range of medical illnesses. The
psychiatrist-in-training then spends at least three additional
years in a psychiatric residency learning the diagnosis
and treatment of mental illnesses, gaining valuable skills
in various forms of psychotherapy and in the use of psychiatric
medicines and other treatments.
After completing their residency training, most psychiatrists
take a voluntary examination given by the American Board
of Psychiatry and Neurology, to become a "board certified"
psychiatrist.
Can psychiatrists become "sub specialists?"
Yes. Many psychiatrists continue training beyond the initial
four years. They may study child and adolescent psychiatry,
geriatric psychiatry, forensic (legal) psychiatry, administrative
psychiatry, alcohol and substance abuser psychiatry, emergency
psychiatry, psychiatry in general medical settings (called
"consultation/liaison psychiatry"), mental retardation psychiatry,
community psychiatry and public health, military psychiatry
and psychiatric research. Some choose additional training
in psychoanalysis at special psychoanalytic institutes.
Where do psychiatrists work?
Because of a continued shortage in the field, psychiatrists
have many career opportunities. They work in a variety of
settings including general and psychiatric hospitals, university
medical centers, community agencies, courts and prisons,
nursing homes, industry, government, military settings,
schools and universities, rehabilitation programs, emergency
rooms, hospices, and many other places. About half the 42,000
psychiatrists in the nation maintain private practices.
The hallmark of a psychiatrist's career is diversity and
flexibility. Although some psychiatrists prefer working
only in one setting, others work in several areas, combining,
for instance, a private practice with hospital or community
mental health center work.
Practitioners set their own work and time commitments according
to their personal lifestyles and needs.
Also, because mental illnesses affect all races, ethnic
groups and cultures, the specialty of psychiatry offers
special opportunities for members of minority groups.
How much do psychiatrists earn?
Psychiatrists earn about the same as pediatricians and family
physicians, depending on the type of practice, hours worked
geographic location and whether the psychiatrist works in
the public or private sector. |
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