Who is a psychiatrist?

Let’s delve into knowing who a psychiatrist is.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (a real MD or DO) who works in mental and emotional health. That means they are trained to understand, diagnose, and treat mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and many others.

Think of a psychiatrist like a doctor for the mind. Their main responsibilities include:

• Diagnosing Mental Health Conditions: They talk to people about their feelings, behaviours, and experiences to understand what’s going on. To understand more, they might use some sort of questionnaires or tests.
• Prescribing Medication: Unlike psychologists or therapists, psychiatrists can prescribe medicine to help with mental health problems, such as antidepressants or antipsychotics.
• Providing Therapy (Sometimes): Some psychiatrists also do talk therapy, like Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or supportive counselling, but many focus more on the medical and medication side.
• Monitoring and Follow-Up: They regularly check in with patients to see how they’re doing, adjust medications if needed, and offer support through recovery or management of long-term conditions.
• Working with Other Professionals: Psychiatrists often work with psychologists, therapists, social workers, nurses, and even family members to give the best care possible.

 

Psychiatrists’ role in supporting kids, teenagers, adults, and seniors:

 

Children: Sometimes kids feel very sad, scared, angry, or have trouble focusing. A psychiatrist can help by:

 

• Talking to the child, parents or guardian

 

• Figuring out what’s wrong

 

• Giving advice or medicine if needed

 

• Helping the child feel better, manage their emotions and do well at school or home

 

Teenagers: It is very common for teens to feel anxiety, mood swings, depression, or stress due to many reasons. A psychiatrist benefits by:

 

• Listening without judgment

 

• Understanding what’s going on inside

 

• Giving support, treatment, or medication if needed

 

• Helping teens feel more in control and confident

Adults: Adults may deal with depression, anxiety, burnout, addiction, or trauma. Psychiatrists support with:

 

• Diagnosing mental health issues

 

• Offering therapy or medications

 

• Supporting recovery and well-being in work, relationships, and daily life

 

Older Adults or Seniors: Elders might face memory problems, loneliness, confusion, or sadness. A psychiatrist can:

 

• Check for mental health conditions like dementia or depression

 

• Help with safe medications

 

• Support the family and caregivers

 

 

By Dr Majid Sadeghi – Specialist Psychiatrist