The Vital Role of Psychiatrists in Shaping Mental Health

Written by Sathya Mathiyalagan

October 23rd, 2024

 

Under this month’s topic of mental health, the next career that we will be looking at are Psychiatrists. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose, treat, and prevent mental, emotional, and behavioral issues. The issues that psychiatrists treat can be both short term or long term. Short term problems include panic attacks, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, or auditory hallucinations. Long term problems include sadness, anxiousness, and feeling out of control of everyday life. Psychiatrists have the ability to do a full range of medical tests in order to diagnose the patient with a mental health condition. They are able to understand the relationship between mental health and genetics, family history, and other underlying causes.

 

How do you become a Psychiatrist?

 

1. Complete an Undergraduate Degree - 4 years

2. Complete Medical School - 4 years

3. Residency Training in Psychiatre - 4 to 7 years 

4. Additional subspecialty training (if needed) - 1 to 2 years1

 

It takes approximately 12 - 15 years to become a Psychiatrist. Sub-specialties under psychiatry include Adult psychiatry, Addiction psychiatry, Child and adolescent psychiatry, Consultation–liaison psychiatry, Forensic psychiatry, Neuropsychiatry, Old age psychiatry, and Perinatal and infant psychiatry. 

 

What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist? 

 

Although Psychiatry and Psychology seem very different, there are certain distinct differences. Psychiatrists like Psychologists use psychotherapy techniques, but they apply principles of biological sciences as well. This is the perfect career that mixes psychology with sciences. The three main differences between these two careers are that:

 

1. Psychiatrists are medical doctors 

2. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication

3. Psychiatrists diagnose illness, manage treatment and provide therapies for complex and serious mental illness. Psychologists mainly focus on psychotherapy (talk therapy).

 

Both these professions are certified to help with mental health. Psychiatrists however attend medical school and become medical doctors, and then specialize in mental health. Since they are trained doctors, they are able to understand the link between mental and physical problems. Psychiatrists are also specialized to look at neurochemical imbalances that contribute to mental health challenges. 

 

When should you see a psychiatrist? 

 

It is understandable that seeking help for mental health conditions can be overwhelming. However, it is very important to do so in order to gain the appropriate help and knowledge about mental health conditions. In some cases, primary healthcare physicians may refer patients to psychiatrists but it is also very common to directly go to a psychiatrist for a diagnosis. 

 

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it would be best to consider reaching out to a psychiatrist or sharing this information with your family doctor:

• Inability to manage or control emotions.

• Continuous or frequent episodes of anger/rage

• Excessive or irrational fears

• Engaging in risky behavior

• Excessive worrying/sadness

• Significant changes in sleep patterns

• Substance use

• Eating disorders

• Declining performance in school or work

• Withdrawal from social situations

• Thoughts of self-harm

It is extremely important to seek help and to remember that there are many professionals who are ready to help and give you the care and treatment that you need. They are skilled in their area of expertise and their ability to diagnose, treat, and manage complex conditions helps individuals regain control of their lives. In a world where mental health is recognized as important to overall well-being, psychiatrists play a crucial role in guiding individuals toward healing and hope.