Psychiatrists are psychologists with a degree in medicine. This allows them to offer treatments that psychologists cannot. Just as with medical doctors, there are many fields in which a psychiatrist can specialize.
The Field of Psychiatry
Psychiatry is already a specialty in medicine. Just as pediatricians specialize in childhood medicine, a psychiatrist specializes in the treatment of mental health. However, there are as many specialties in psychiatry as there are mental health issues faced by patients.
Demographic Specialities
Just as with medical doctors, a psychiatrist may choose to focus on a particular demographic, such as children or the elderly. They may also focus on a particular gender, or those dealing with specific issues, such as handicaps, debilitating illnesses and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Mental Health Focuses
Many psychiatrists choose to focus on a particular mental health issue for their career. Examples of this include eating disorders and body dysmorphia, sexual dysfunction, mood disorders, compulsions, addictions and substance abuse, and phobias.
Medical Specialities
Some psychiatrists study psychopharmacology, which is the treatment of mental health issues with various medications. Unlike a psychologist, a psychiatrist's medical training allows them to prescribe medications. Other psychiatrists choose to focus on treating urgent issues, working in a hospital or emergency room environment. Other medical areas of focus include development, behavior, sleep, and genetics.
Forensics
Movies, television and literature often portray the forensic psychiatrist as the one who analyzes an individual involved in a legal case, often a criminal case, and then testifies in court or makes a professional recommendation.
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