Mental Health

The Vital Role of Psychiatrists in Shaping Mental Health

Written by Sathya Mathiyalagan
October 23rd, 2024

Psychiatrists

Under this month’s topic of mental health, the next career we will be exploring is that of psychiatrists. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose, treat, and prevent mental, emotional, and behavioral issues. The issues they treat can be either short-term (panic attacks, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts) or long-term (persistent sadness, anxiety, or difficulty managing everyday life). Psychiatrists can run a full range of medical tests to identify conditions and understand the link between mental health, genetics, family history, and other underlying causes.

How Do You Become a Psychiatrist?

🎓 To become a psychiatrist in Canada, the typical pathway includes:

  • Undergraduate Degree: 4 years
  • Medical School: 4 years
  • Residency Training in Psychiatry: 4 to 7 years
  • Subspecialty Training (if needed): 1 to 2 years¹

Common subspecialties include:

  1. Adult psychiatry
  2. Addiction psychiatry
  3. Child and adolescent psychiatry
  4. Consultation–liaison psychiatry
  5. Forensic psychiatry
  6. Neuropsychiatry
  7. Old age psychiatry
  8. Perinatal and infant psychiatry

Psychiatrists vs Psychologists

Although the fields overlap, there are clear distinctions:

  • ☤ Psychiatrists are medical doctors.
  • 💊 Psychiatrists can prescribe medication.
  • 🏥 Psychiatrists diagnose illness, manage treatment, and provide therapies for complex and serious conditions.

By contrast, psychologists mainly focus on psychotherapy (talk therapy 🗪). Psychiatrists also bridge the gap between mental and physical health, as they are trained to assess how neurochemical imbalances and other biological factors affect mental well-being.

When Should You See a Psychiatrist?

Seeking help can feel overwhelming, but it is crucial to gain the appropriate diagnosis and support. You should consider consulting a psychiatrist (or talking to your family doctor for a referral) if you experience:

  • Inability to manage or control emotions
  • Continuous or frequent anger/rage episodes
  • Excessive or irrational fears
  • Risky or dangerous behaviors
  • Persistent worrying or sadness
  • Major changes in sleep patterns
  • Substance use problems
  • Eating disorders
  • Declining school or work performance
  • Withdrawal from social activities
  • Thoughts of self-harm

Conclusion

Psychiatrists are skilled professionals whose expertise in diagnosing, treating, and managing complex mental health conditions allows individuals to regain control of their lives. In a world that increasingly recognizes the importance of mental health, psychiatrists play a vital role in guiding individuals toward healing, resilience, and hope.

Footnotes

  1. First Session Park, R. (2024). Psychiatrist licensing and education in Canada.

References

Criminal Psychologist