Psühhiaater

Psühhiaater is the Estonian term for a psychiatrist, a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Psychiatrists assess the effects of mental illness on overall health, order necessary medical tests, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They may provide psychotherapy themselves or work as part of a multidisciplinary team with psychologists and other mental health professionals. They are licensed to prescribe medications and monitor their effects, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers.

Training and qualifications: To become a psühhiaater, a physician completes medical training and then undergoes specialized residency in psychiatry. Many systems require board certification or equivalent credentials. Subspecialties include child and adolescent psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, and geriatric psychiatry. Ongoing continuing education is typically required to maintain licensure and stay current with guidelines.

Practice and settings: Psychiatrists work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, mental health centers, and private practice. They participate in emergency, inpatient, or long-term care and collaborate with other health professionals to coordinate care. Treatments may combine pharmacotherapy with psychotherapy, lifestyle and social interventions, and, where appropriate, neuromodulation techniques such as electroconvulsive therapy or transcranial magnetic stimulation. Ethical considerations, patient confidentiality, and informed consent are fundamental to practice.