Psychiatry

Medically reviewed by Andrea Brant, LMHC

Psychiatry is a field dedicated to diagnosing and treating mental illnesses. A psychiatrist examines each client and conducts a series of evaluations to determine what mental health challenges or mental illnesses they may be living with. They often use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) to perform diagnosis. The DSM-5 was published in 2013 and is the most up-to-date psychological diagnostic manual. 

The word psyche derives from the ancient Greek word "soul." German physician Johann Christian Reil created the term "psychiatry” in 1808 to mean “medical treatment of the soul.” The suffix “try” means "medical treatment" and comes from the Greek word iātrikos, meaning "medical treatment" or "healing."

A psychiatrist is a psychological doctor who specializes in treating people with mental health disorders. Psychiatry is a branch of medicine where providers use evidence-based research to solve challenges related to human behavior. Those specializing in psychiatry are experienced in social and biological sciences and are medical doctors.

Mental health care approaches

Below are some of the most common psychiatric approaches that a psychiatrist may take. However, each psychology professional is unique; some specialize in a specific psychological condition or symptom.

Biomedical support options

The biomedical model of psychiatry focuses on helping clients manage a mental health condition through biochemical methods, such as medicine. Medicine is often a temporary solution while clients attend psychotherapy, but it can also be used in the long term. The biomedical model helps people feel healthier and cope with daily life. The biomedical model focuses on the pathology, biochemistry, and physiology of a disorder or illness, not considering social issues.

Biopsychosocial support options

George L. Engel introduced the biopsychosocial model of psychiatry. The model considers how illness develops over time, focusing on several factors, including a person's mood, personality, and behavior. Social issues include socioeconomics, culture, and family relations. The biopsychosocial model of psychiatry looks at a person holistically, considering their genetics, cultural background, and emotional health, instead of primarily focusing on biology like the biomedical model.

Biocognitive mental health approach

In 2009, Niall McLaren published Humanizing Psychiatry: The Biocognitive Model. In the book, he asserts that modern psychiatrists rely upon solving human challenges with medication when that's not necessarily the answer. Dr. McLaren attacks stigma head-on and argues for treating people with mental and psychological illness fairly. In the Biocognitive model, Dr. McLaren argues that mental illness should be treated as seriously as a physical disease. Medication can be helpful for psychological conditions, but is not the only tool available to support clients. Psychological treatment like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can sometimes be more effective.

Support for mental health

If you’re living with mental illness or another psychological challenge, you’re not alone. Although visiting a psychiatrist may help you relieve psychological symptoms in the short term, talking to a therapist can also be beneficial for treating psychological conditions or challenges related to mental well-being. However, some clients may avoid seeing an in-person therapist due to barriers to psychotherapy, such as finances or accessibility. In these cases, online psychotherapy through a platform like BetterHelp may be beneficial.

You can get matched with a therapist within 48 hours and set psychological treatment goals through an online psychotherapy platform. In addition, online psychology platforms allow clients to meet with a provider from home via phone, video, or live chat sessions, which may be more flexible for those who can’t access in-person sessions in their area.

Studies also back up the effectiveness of online psychotherapy. One study found that online psychological treatment for substance use disorders could be as effective as in-person psychotherapy and more convenient and cost-effective.

Takeaway 

Psychiatry is the profession of treating mental health conditions and symptoms with medication, psychotherapy, and assessment. Consider reading the above psychological articles to learn more about psychiatry and how this career functions. You can also reach out to a professional for further mental health support. Note that BetterHelp does not offer medication management or prescription. Consult a doctor or psychiatrist before starting, changing, or stopping any medication.

Frequently asked questions

Read more below for answers to questions commonly asked about this topic.

What does a psychiatrist do?

Research shows that psychiatrists evaluate, diagnose, and treat mental health and psychological conditions, often using a mix of psychotherapy and medication.

What are the five major disorders?

The five major psychiatric disorders are attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), bipolar disorder, major depression, and schizophrenia.

What is psychiatry?

Psychiatry is the medical and psychological field focused on understanding, diagnosing, and treating mental health issues.

Can they diagnose you with mental illness?

Yes, psychiatrists are trained to diagnose mental and psychological illnesses through interviews, tests, and careful assessment of your symptoms.

Who should I see for mental health care?

It depends on your needs—if you might need psychological medication, a psychiatrist is a good choice; if you prefer talk therapy, a psychotherapist might be best.

Is psychiatry a hard degree?

Yes, psychiatry is a challenging psychological field that requires many years of study and training, but it’s very rewarding if you’re passionate about helping others.

Can these doctors diagnose a mental illness like ADHD?

Yes, psychological research confirms that psychiatrists can diagnose conditions like ADHD using detailed evaluations and appropriate tests.