Psychiatry is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and diseases of the mind and emotional disorders of an organic, affective or situational nature. Psychiatry treats diseases such as neuroses, phobias, schizophrenia, depression and anxiety states, among others.
Psychiatrists use a range of diagnostic techniques, including interviews with patients, psychological tests, and medical evaluations, to determine the underlying causes of mental health problems. They then use this information to develop treatment plans that may involve medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two.
In addition to treating mental illness, psychiatrists also work to prevent mental health problems by identifying and addressing risk factors and promoting mental health through education and other interventions.
Psychiatry is a broad field that encompasses many different specialities, including child and adolescent psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, and more. Psychiatrists may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and academic institutions.
