“BETTER MENTAL HEALTH”
by Contributor
(Feb. 19, 2020) — Psychiatry is a medical area that many of us have heard of, and even have experience of. However, it’s also one that we may not know a lot about unless we’ve required the services of such a specialist.
So what does a psychiatrist do? Here we’ll look at what someone in this profession would typically do, as well as a couple of the areas that a psychiatrist may specialise in, including the law. So if you have been recommended to see a psychiatrist, are interested in this as a career choice, or you’re just curious – this should answer some of your questions.
What psychiatry is about
If you are a psychiatrist, you are a medical doctor who is certified in treating mental and emotional disorders. They understand the relationship between these illnesses, plus genetics and physical illnesses that influence mental health.
A psychiatrist will assess your health – both physical and mental – to get a diagnosis. They will then develop a plan for your treatment and aid you in achieving better mental health. Treatments can include medication, psychotherapy, plus physical treatments.
Medication is usually used in combination with a form of psychotherapy. Antidepressants, stimulants, mood stabilizers and antipsychotic medications may be prescribed. Psychotherapy means talking to a patient to control or eliminate thought patterns or behaviors that may be problematic – these sessions can be one-on-one, as a couple or family, or in a group.
There are a number of areas that a psychiatrist can specialize in. Two of the common subjects include child and adolescent psychiatry, plus forensic psychiatry.
Forensic psychiatry
This area is one of the branches of forensic science, and spans law, criminal justice and psychiatry. If you are a forensic psychiatrist, you are a medical doctor who can look at and testify on the physical points of mental disorders. This can include psychotherapeutic considerations, biological origin, plus social and family issues.
They can provide psychiatric consultation in legal issues, or even be an expert witness psychiatrist in a court case. They can be used in family or civil law, in murder cases, to assess someone’s ability to work, or if a person is being coerced to take improper actions, or find if someone is fit for duty.
Child and adolescent psychiatry
Someone in this area will work with children, young people up to 18 years of age and their families. They will treat mental health conditions and problems such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance misuse, and autism spectrum disorders.
Three-quarters of adult mental health problems start before the age of 18, and there’s evidence early intervention can reduce the chance of mental health disorders in adulthood. There are many different options available for treatment, which can include family therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Medication and going to an in-patient unit can be used but is less frequent than for adults.
Work can be carried out with other professionals – such as pediatricians, foster carers, teachers and others who care for a young person – rather than the patient themselves. One may also need an understanding of legal frameworks, as they may need to intervene by suggesting educational, care or safety provisions.