Who are Psychiatrists?

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.

What are the qualifications of 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:

• Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, United Kingdom (MRC Psych)
• MD - Psychological Medicine
• M.Med - Psychiatry
• Diplomate of American Board of Psychiatry and NeurologyM.D. (Psychiatry)
• MRCP (UK)
• Diploma in Psychiatry
• DPM (Psychiatry)
• Master of Psychiatry - MPSY
• PhD - Psychiatry
• FRCP - Psychiatry
• M.D. Hom (Homeopathy Psychiatry)
• Diploma in Clinical Psychiatry
• DNB - Psychiatry

How often should I visit Psychiatrists?

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.

Why should an individual consult a Psychiatrist?

If an individual is suffering from any of the following mental disorders or medical condition, then he/she must consult a Psychiatrist:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Schizophrenia
• Dementia
• Alzheimer’s disorder
• Autism
• Excessive stress
• Post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD]

Are Psychiatrists and Psychologists the same?

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.

Can Psychiatrists cure depression?

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.

Can Psychiatrists do counseling?

Yes, Psychiatrists can counsel their patients and can prescribe medications in order to treat or cure mental disorders.