Psychiatry is a field of medicine that is focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental disorders like bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, dementia, autism, and obsessive-compulsive disorders etc. So, physicians who are specialized in Psychiatry are called Psychiatrists.
A 5-year medical degree [MBBS] that is recognized by the General Medical Council and a 2-year foundation course of general training are the basic requirements for an individual to be a doctor. However, following are the specialties or extra qualifications required to be a Psychiatrist:
It is recommended to visit a Psychiatrist once a week if you have been diagnosed with any mental disorders that affect your overall health condition. However, one can consult a Psychiatrist once in a year to evaluate their mental stability.
If an individual is suffering from any of the following mental disorders or medical condition, then he/she must consult a Psychiatrist:
Psychiatrists are medical professionals who are well trained and authorized to treat mental health conditions with medications and lifestyle modifications. However, Psychologists are not medical doctors and help the patients by providing psychotherapy [talk therapy] only.
Depression is a mental health disorder that causes a loss of interest in activities and may lead to impairing daily life. This disorder can be treated and cured by a Psychiatrist with proper medications, counseling, and lifestyle modifications.
Yes, Psychiatrists can counsel their patients and can prescribe medications in order to treat or cure mental disorders.