What is Psychiatry?
Definition
Psychiatry is the branch of medicine that specializes in the treatment of those brain disorders which primarily cause disturbance of thought, behaviour, and emotion. These are often referred to as mental, or psychiatric, disorders.
The boundary with the specialty of neurology, which also deals with disorders of the central nervous system, is therefore indistinct. Neurology mainly focuses on brain disease with clear physical pathology and/or obvious peripheral effects on, for example, motor function.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Psychiatry?
Psychiatry is the medical specialty devoted to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of mental disorders. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health and are qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems.
What conditions do psychiatrists treat?
- Mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder)
- Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias)
- Psychotic disorders (schizophrenia, delusional disorder)
- Trauma- and stressor-related disorders (PTSD)
- Eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa)
- Substance use disorders (alcoholism, drug addiction)
- Personality disorders
- Neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, autism spectrum disorder)
How do psychiatrists diagnose mental health conditions?
Psychiatrists use a combination of approaches to diagnose mental health conditions:
- Comprehensive psychiatric interviews to gather detailed information about the patient’s symptoms, medical history, family history, and social circumstances.
- Mental status examinations to assess the patient’s current mental state, including mood, thought processes, and cognitive function.
- Diagnostic tests, such as psychological assessments or neuroimaging, may be used in some cases to rule out other medical conditions or gather additional information.
When should someone see a psychiatrist?
It’s advisable to see a psychiatrist if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Withdrawal from social activities or hobbies
- Excessive anger, irritability, or worry
- Hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t there.
