Psykiatrista

Psykiatrista, or psychiatrist, is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Psychiatrists assess and diagnose conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and substance use disorders, using clinical interviews, medical history, and, when appropriate, psychological testing and brain imaging. They integrate biological, psychological, and social factors in formulating care plans.

Training typically requires earning a medical degree followed by several years of specialty training in psychiatry. Certification or board examinations in psychiatry are common in many countries, and ongoing professional development is required to maintain licensure. This training equips psychiatrists to prescribe medications and to provide psychotherapy, either directly or in collaboration with other mental health professionals.

Scope of practice includes psychiatric evaluation, pharmacotherapy (antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics), and various forms of psychotherapy such as cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, or interpersonal approaches. Some psychiatrists also provide or oversee somatic treatments, including electroconvulsive therapy or neuromodulation techniques, often in hospital settings or specialized clinics.

Work settings range from hospitals and inpatient units to outpatient clinics, private practices, community health centers, and academic or research institutions. Psychiatrists frequently work as part of multidisciplinary teams with psychologists, social workers, nurses, and occupational therapists to coordinate comprehensive care. Ethical considerations emphasize patient safety, informed consent, confidentiality, and culturally sensitive, evidence-based treatment.