What Does a Psychiatrist Do and How Can They Help You?

What Is a Psychiatrist?

What Does a Psychiatrist Do?

1. Diagnosis: Psychiatrists work to accurately identify mental disorders through a combination of psychological testing, in-depth consultations, and medical and family history review. They then compare the information they learn to criteria on the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5) for proper diagnosis.
2. Treatment Plans: With the ability to prescribe medication and make appointments for psychotherapy (talk therapy), psychiatrists can develop a holistic treatment approach to a person’s mental health.
3. Ongoing Support: If you need help with managing mental health challenges long-term, psychiatrists have the clinical training to track your progress and adjust medications or therapies when necessary.

The primary difference between psychiatrists and psychologists is the ability to prescribe medication. This is because psychiatrists have completed medical school (MD or DO), while psychologists hold a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD). These high levels of education allow both to specialize in therapy, but only psychiatrists can help with medication management.

With a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or social work, therapists can generally be considered one education level lower than psychologists and psychiatrists. This makes it easier for the latter to diagnose complex disorders and allows them to prescribe medications as part of treatment.

Neurologists are also medical doctors, but specialize in diagnosing and treating nervous system disorders, like chronic migraines and Parkinson’s disease. On the other hand, psychiatrists specialize in psychiatric disorders with cognitive and behavioral symptoms.

Types of Psychiatry Subspecialties

• Forensic Psychiatry: An intersection of mental health and the legal system, these experts evaluate competency, provide expert testimony, and work with mentally-impaired persons involved in criminal or civil cases.
• Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry: Also known as psychosomatic medicine, this subspecialty combines mental and physical health care to support patients in psychiatric hospitals.
• Geriatric Psychiatry: This form of psychiatry focuses on helping older adults with mental disorders. Often, geriatric psychiatrists specialize in dementia and other age-related conditions.
• Addiction Psychiatry: Substance abuse is often deeply connected with mental health, and these psychiatrists combine medication management and therapy to address substance use disorders and behavioral addictions.
• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Children and teens deal with a lot as their frontal lobe develops, and this subspecialty focuses on their behavioral and emotional difficulties. These specialists often work closely with families, schools, and pediatricians.
• Emergency Psychiatry: The person you call when you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal ideation, severe psychosis, or violent behavior. They’re trained to de-escalate situations effectively.

What Mental Health Issues do Psychiatrists Treat?

Mood Disorders

Examples of mood disorders treated by psychiatry include:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
• Bipolar I Disorder
• Bipolar II Disorder
• Cyclothymic Disorder
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
• Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)

Anxiety Disorders

Common examples of treatable conditions include:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Panic Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
• Specific Phobias
• Agoraphobia
• Separation Anxiety Disorder
• Selective Mutism
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Acute Stress Disorder

Psychotic Disorders

Examples of psychotic disorders treated by psychiatry include:

• Schizophrenia
• Schizoaffective Disorder
• Delusional Disorder
• Substance/Medication-Induced Psychotic Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder with Psychotic Features
• Major Depressive Disorder with Psychotic Features

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Examples of treatable disorders include:

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Intellectual Disability
• Communication Disorders
• Specific Learning Disorders
• Motor Disorders (e.g., Tourette’s Disorder)

How Psychiatrists Treat Mental Health Conditions?

Psychotherapy

Medication Management Programs

Other treatments

Signs You Should Reach Out To a Psychiatrist

• Ongoing anxiety, depression, or irritability
• Emotional numbness or mood swings
• Trouble focusing or completing tasks
• Sudden decline in academic or career performance
• Sleeping too much or insomnia
• Significant changes in appetite
• Difficulty maintaining relationships
• Withdrawal from friends or activities
• Persistent sadness or hopelessness
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

What To Expect During a Psychiatry Appointment: Step-by-Step

First, you’ll meet with your psychotherapist to talk about symptoms, past treatments, medical history, and your personal goals. Be as open as possible about these topics, including supplement or recreational substance use, as they can all have an impact on treatment.

During your initial consultation, your psychiatrists will also explore your current emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms. We recommend keeping a daily journal beforehand, as it can help you recall important patterns or changes.

Once enough information has been gathered, your psychiatrist works to provide an accurate diagnosis. They’ll explain how they reached their conclusion, what it means for you, and then help discuss treatment options.

Treatments are varied, complex, and personalized, often including medication, talk therapy, and lifestyle changes. Feel free to ask about side effects, timelines, and how progress will be measured.

Near the end of the appointment, your psychiatrist will leave time for you to ask questions and provide further guidance where needed. Here are some questions you should consider asking:

• What is my diagnosis and why?
• Do you have experience treating my mental health conditions?
• What are my treatment options?
• When can I expect to feel better?
• How will I know I’m feeling better?
• What do I do if I start feeling worse?
• What should I do in an emergency situation?
• What are the side effects of my medication?
• Will you work with my other healthcare providers?

Reach Out To One of FPSCA’s Licensed Psychiatrists Today!

At Family Psychological Services, we offer fully licensed psychiatrists specializing in a variety of mental health conditions. From ensuring accurate diagnosis to developing effective treatment plans that use a combination of talk therapy and medication, your journey is always safe, constructive, and backed by the latest research.