Mental Health Awareness: The Role of a Psychiatrist
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Each year, more than 3 million people in the United States experience the effects of a mental health condition that requires professional help. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, one-third of adults in the U.S. are affected by some type of mental illness at some point during their lives. While many individuals can and do recover from these conditions, others need professional assistance to overcome and prevent future episodes. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed at least three years of clinical training after graduating from medical school. They have expertise in diagnosing, treating, and managing mental health conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, stress disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and others. As a psychiatrist working with patients — not just as part of a team or organization — you will be called upon to understand how your patients think and feel about their issues; identify potential triggers that might lead to symptoms or relapse; work with family members and other caregivers to implement treatment plans; manage medications; address any financial burdens that might impact treatment access; and so much more. This article explores what being a psychiatrist entails and how this career can help people improve their mental health .
What is Psychiatry?
Psychiatry is a medical specialty that involves the study and treatment of emotional and behavioral conditions. These conditions are sometimes called “mental illnesses.” Psychiatry is a major branch of medicine that focuses on studies such as how the brain works, how the brain affects behavior, and how to help people with emotional or behavioral problems. Physicians who specialize in psychiatry are called “psychiatrists.” A psychiatrist is a physician who has completed at least three years of clinical training after graduating from medical school. They have expertise in diagnosing, treating, and managing mental health conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, stress disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Psychiatry: A Brief History
A Brief History of Psychiatry A brief history of psychiatry is in order to understand the development of the field and some of the major breakthroughs that have occurred throughout the years. Two events in the late 1800s set the stage for the development of modern psychiatry. First, a person named Thomas Willis revolutionized the way mental disorders were viewed. Until this time, mental disorders were believed to be the result of “moral imbecility” and were largely treated through rehabilitation. Second, in the early 1900s, Emil Kraepelin revolutionized the classification system for mental disorders. This system is still used today and is broken down into several categories including anxiety, mood disorders, and schizophrenia. In the early 1900s, the pioneering efforts of William W. Keen and G. M. Taylor advanced the field of psychophysiology and led to the development of physiological tests for mental disorders such as the lie detector and psychophysiological testing for anxiety.
The Role of a Psychiatrist in Mental Health Treatment
The role of a psychiatrist in mental health treatment is to provide an assessment of a person’s mental state and guide them toward treatment if needed. Depending on the patient’s symptoms and medical history, a psychiatrist may recommend medication, therapy, hospitalization, or a combination of these. Because many mental health conditions have a complex relationship with other health conditions, a psychiatrist may recommend a patient see a primary care physician, gastroenterologist, or other medical specialist to help coordinate care. Psychiatric medication can be helpful in managing symptoms of mental disorders, but it should be remembered that no medication is completely effective. It is also important to keep in mind that not all people who are taking psychiatric medications will experience benefits from them.
Psychiatric Disorders and Conditions
Psychiatric disorders and conditions are disorders such as major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). There are also conditions such as pregnancy, diabetes, cancer, and other illnesses that affect the brain. Many psychiatric disorders are treatable. Treatment can involve medications and therapy. Some, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, have significant risks that may include hospitalization, intensive treatment, and a risk of suicide. Others, such as anxiety or depression, have less serious risks that can be managed with therapy, self-help activities, and medication.
Supervised Residency Training Program
A psychiatrist’s residency training program is an intense experience that requires psychiatrists to complete a rigorous three-year program. It consists of a combination of didactic (or classroom-based) learning and clinical experience. During the program, psychiatrists work under the supervision of a supervising physician or a residency program director. Residents rotate through a number of clinical specialties, depending on the hospital and program. Residents typically spend about 50% of their time in inpatient settings and 50% of their time in primary care settings. During residency training, psychiatrists may specialize in one of several subspecialties. For example, many psychiatrists elect to specialize in the management of eating disorders, mood disorders, or the management of substance abuse. Others choose to specialize in the management of mental health in a correctional setting.
Clinical Rotations and Activities During Supervised Residency Training Program
Psychiatrists may choose to specialize in one area of medicine or work in a range of specialties during their residency program. In addition to working in traditional medical settings like hospitals, psychiatrists may choose to work in settings such as community mental health centers, residential care facilities, schools, and correctional facilities. There may be differences in roles, responsibilities, and services provided in these settings compared to those in a traditional medical setting. Psychiatrists in these settings are often responsible for coordinating care for patients who have multiple conditions and/or coexisting medical conditions. They also may be responsible for patient access to health insurance coverage and public assistance programs. Psychiatrists may also choose to spend some time working as research assistants. Research provides valuable information about how the human mind works. In addition to conducting the research and writing the papers, psychiatrists may be asked to serve as study subjects.
Becoming a Registered Psychologist Through a Joint Program in Psychiatry and Psychology
A specialty certification is offered through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. This certification is a hybrid specialty certification that allows physicians to specialize in both psychiatry and psychology. To be a board-certified psychiatrist in this program, candidates must complete a three-year residency program in psychiatry, after which they can complete an additional three years of training to become board-certified in the combined specialty of psychiatry and psychology. Registered psychologists are individuals who have earned a graduate degree in psychology. To become board-certified in this program, candidates must complete a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in psychology. There are a number of paths to become a registered psychologist.
Summing up
Psychiatry is a medical specialty that involves the study and treatment of emotional and behavioral conditions. These conditions are sometimes called “mental illnesses.” A psychiatrist is a physician who has completed at least three years of clinical training after graduating from medical school. They have expertise in diagnosing, treating, and managing mental health conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, stress disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). During residency training programs, psychiatrists may choose to specialize in one area of medicine or work in a range of specialties. There may be differences in roles, responsibilities, and services provided in these settings compared to those in a traditional medical setting. To be board-certified in this program, candidates must complete a three-year residency program in psychiatry, after which they can complete an additional three years of training to become board-certified in the combined specialty of psychiatry and psychology.
