What Is Psychiatry? Definition, Treatments, & What to Consider

What Is a Psychiatrist & What Do They Do?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. These licensed professionals have completed extensive training in medical interventions and clinical psychiatry.

Psychiatrists can provide various treatments, including medication management, psychotherapy, and alternative therapies, to help individuals manage psychiatric illnesses. They play a crucial role in supporting mental health and work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care for patients. They may also engage in clinical research, teaching, and advocacy to advance the mental health field and improve access to quality treatment.

Some  common conditions a psychiatrist may diagnose or treat:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depressive disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Personality disorders
• Addictions
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Eating disorders
• Substance use disorders
• Sleep disorders
• Schizophrenia

What Does a Psychiatrist Study?

A psychiatrist studies the field of psychiatry, which focuses on the diagnosis, management, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Their studies include learning about the complex interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors impacting mental health. To become a psychiatrist, individuals must undertake medical school training followed by specialized training in psychiatry.

Psychiatric subspecialties include:

• Addiction psychiatry
• Sleep medicine
• Consultation-liaison psychiatry
• Child psychiatry
• Geriatric psychiatry
• Forensic psychiatry
• Pain medicine
• Emergency psychiatry

Psychiatrist Treatments

Psychiatrists offer various treatment options to address mental health disorders, including psychotherapy, medication management, and other interventions. Psychotherapy helps address psychological factors contributing to mental health conditions, while psychotropic medications can help alleviate symptoms. Psychiatrists may also guide lifestyle modifications, coping strategies, and self-care practices to support overall well-being.

Do Psychiatrists Offer Therapy?

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) involves discussing and interacting with a psychiatrist to address psychological, emotional, and behavioral concerns. While psychiatrists primarily focus on diagnosing and managing mental health disorders, many also provide therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. However, some psychiatrists specialize solely in medication management and refer their patients to psychologists or other therapists for psychotherapy, depending on their practice and personal preferences.

Below are common psychotherapies offered by psychiatrists:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on identifying and addressing negative thought patterns and behaviors to help individuals develop healthier coping strategies and achieve positive behavioral changes.

Interpersonal Therapy

Interpersonal therapy concentrates on improving relationships and communication skills by targeting specific relationship issues and life transitions.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

 Dialectical behavior therapy combines CBT with mindfulness techniques to help individuals with emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and self-awareness.

Couples or Family Counseling

These psychiatrists work with couples or family members to address relationship issues, improve communication, and enhance family dynamics.

Problem-Solving Therapy (PST)

 Problem-solving therapy helps individuals develop effective problem-solving skills to manage specific life stressors and challenges, encouraging adaptive coping strategies and goal-oriented approaches.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MBCT)

Like DBT, MBCT integrates CBT with mindfulness to promote self-awareness, acceptance, and emotional regulation.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapy explores the unconscious processes and unresolved conflicts that may contribute to distress to foster insight, understanding, and personal growth.

Can Psychiatrists Prescribe Medication?

Medication management is a critical part of psychiatry. Psychiatrists receive a comprehensive education in pharmacology during their years of medical training and residency. They have the authority to prescribe a wide range of medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and anxiety medications.

Psychiatrists work closely with patients to assess symptoms, make accurate diagnoses, and develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include medication management in addition to psychotherapy or other interventions as needed.

Below are medications a psychiatrist can prescribe:

• Antidepressants
• Antipsychotics
• Hypnotics
• Mood stabilizers
• Stimulants

Psychiatric Treatment Beyond Medication & Psychotherapy

Psychiatrists may offer treatment options beyond medication and psychotherapy. Available treatment options depend on the specific diagnosis, medical history, and other factors. The psychiatrist will make informed suggestions based on their clinical judgment and expertise.

Psychiatrists may also provide treatment methods, such as:

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

ECT involves inducing controlled seizures through electrical currents under general anesthesia. ECT can be effective when other treatment methods have not yielded satisfactory results, like treatment-resistant depression.

Light Therapy

Light therapy can help treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other conditions related to insufficient exposure to natural daylight. Special light sources mimic natural sunlight to help regulate circadian rhythm and improve mood.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific brain areas. TMS is an FDA-approved treatment for depression.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

DBS involves surgically implanting electrodes in specific brain areas and delivering electrical pulses to regulate abnormal brain activity. DBS can improve treatment-resistant Parkinson’s disease and certain types of severe mental health disorders.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)

VNS stimulates the vagus nerve to boost mood regulation and emotional well-being. This procedure may help modulate neurotransmitters and neural circuits involved in mood and cognition to improve chronic depression and epilepsy.

Where Do Psychiatrists Work?

Psychiatrists can provide psychiatric treatment in many settings. In hospitals, psychiatrists often work in specific units or departments to provide patients with specialized interventions. Psychiatric clinics and community mental health centers offer outpatient services, including assessments, therapy, and medication management.

Some psychiatrists may own private practices to offer individualized care in a more personalized setting, often catering to patients seeking long-term treatment. Additionally, psychiatrists can work in academic institutions where they may contribute to the field through teaching and research.

Below are locations where a psychiatrist may work:

• Hospital
• Courts or prisons
• Specialized clinics
• Psychiatric hospitals
• Rehabilitation facilities
• Government agencies
• Private practices
• Hospice programs

When to See a Psychiatrist

You may want to see a psychiatrist if you’re experiencing ongoing symptoms of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, or other mental health conditions that affect your daily life. A therapist or other mental health provider may also recommend psychiatry if they believe medication could help ease your symptoms.

You can choose to see a psychiatrist directly, which is a good idea if you’re seeking a diagnosis or believe medication could play a role in your treatment. Like therapists, psychiatrists support people dealing with emotional challenges, relationship difficulties, or disruptions to everyday functioning. But they also offer specialized expertise in diagnosing mental health conditions and prescribing medication when appropriate.

Psychiatrists can guide you through treatment options, manage your medications, and collaborate with other providers to ensure a well-rounded approach. Through a thorough evaluation, they help clarify your symptoms and provide an accurate diagnosis before creating a personalized treatment plan.

What to Expect From Your First Appointment

Expect to answer a wide range of questions about your mental health history, current symptoms, and personal background. This information can help the clinician form an accurate diagnosis and develop a tailored treatment approach.

The first appointment can last about an hour, and the psychiatrist may inquire about your daily routine, medical history, and past mental health treatments. They may also assess if physical health conditions could contribute to your mental health symptoms. You will also discuss treatment options and goals while reviewing information about possible medication (if applicable).

How to Prepare for a Psychiatry Consultation

Taking some time to prepare for your first appointment with a psychiatrist can help relieve your anxiety about the new experience. It’s helpful to remember that the psychiatrist is there to learn about you and provide you with appropriate support. Bring a list of concerns and don’t be shy about asking any and all questions you may have. Remember that they are the expert in psychiatry, but you are the expert on you!

Some questions to ask a psychiatrist during your consultation include:

• Do you have any specialities within psychiatry? What are they?
• Do I meet criteria for a diagnosis, and if so, which one(s)?
• What medications are you considering to prescribe for me?
• How do the medications you’re prescribing work on a chemical level?
• What are possible side effects of the medications?
• What can I expect to experience after beginning medication?
• How long will it take for me to notice the expected benefits of the new prescription(s)?
• How long will I need to be on this medication?
• Are there other treatment options available for my concerns?
• What else can I be doing to help improve my symptoms in addition to medication?

Things to bring with you to your appointment:

• A list of all medications and supplements you are currently taking
• Any journaling data about your symptoms or mental health history
• Smartwatch data for sleeping, exercise, and meditation history
• General history of any previous mental health treatment, which could include documentation, dates, or notes
• Something to take notes on, either a pen and paper or technology (e.g., phone, tablet, computer)

How to Find a Psychiatrist

Finding a psychiatrist can be overwhelming, but several options are available to help individuals locate providers. Whether you prefer in-person care or want to find an online psychiatrist, one option is to check with an insurance provider to see which psychiatrists are in-network. Alternatively, individuals can consult their primary care physician for a referral or recommendation.

If you’re interested in virtual psychiatry services, you can use an online psychiatry platform like Brightside Health or Talkiatry.