Geðlæknir

Geðlæknir (Icelandic for psychiatrist) is the term for a physician who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders. A geðlæknir assesses a wide range of conditions, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, neurodevelopmental issues, and substance-related problems. They may provide psychotherapy, prescribe medications, and coordinate care with other health professionals and social services. They also help with crisis intervention, inpatient psychiatric care, and ongoing outpatient treatment.

Training and regulation: In Iceland, geðlæknir are medical doctors who undergo specialized training in psychiatry after completing medical school. The specialty training is overseen by the Icelandic Medical Association and the Ministry of Health, leading to board certification as a psychiatric specialist. Subspecialties include child and adolescent psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, and forensic psychiatry.

Work setting and roles: Geðlæknarar are employed in hospitals, psychiatric wards, outpatient clinics, and sometimes private practice. They perform diagnostic evaluations, create and monitor treatment plans, prescribe psychiatric medications, and coordinate with nurses, social workers, and psychologists. They may be involved in crisis response and, when indicated, administer procedures such as electroconvulsive therapy within hospital settings.

Role in health system: They play a central role in mental health care delivery, collaborating with primary care providers to manage comorbid medical conditions and to support patients and families. The term contrasts with non-medical mental health professionals, such as psychologists, who provide psychotherapy and psychological testing but do not hold medical degrees or prescribe medications.