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Qualifications of a Mental Health Psychiatrist A patient might seek treatment from a psychiatrist in mental health for many reasons. Depending on the nature of the disease the treatment could involve therapy or medication. Patients seeking psychiatric treatment can be self-referred, or by a primary care physician. They can also be sectioned or punished under civil or criminal law. Qualifications The qualifications that a psychiatrist with a specialization in mental health requires to succeed vary depending on their specialty. Psychiatrists must be licensed physicians by their state and must also pass a board certification test conducted by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Most psychiatrists spend about 12 years after completing their undergraduate education studying biology and medical science to prepare for medical school, with an emphasis on medicine or psychiatry. A psychiatry residency typically involves four years of study where doctors are taught how to diagnose and treat patients suffering from mental illness, using talk therapy as well as medications. Psychiatrists must have excellent analytical thinking skills and emotionally resilient to be successful in the field. Psychiatrists work closely with social workers and psychologists. Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists can prescribe medication and are trained to analyze the underlying causes of mental disorders, instead of just treating symptoms. They are thought to be more of a “medical” kind of doctor than psychologists and marriage and family therapists. As of May 2021 the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that psychiatrists earn the highest salaries among mental health services occupations with an annual average salary of $249,760. This is higher than psychologists, counselors and social workers, but lower than marriage and family therapists, or psychiatric nurse practitioners. If you're interested in the field of psychiatry, many universities offer specialized programs to prepare students for the specialty. These programs are designed to help students develop a passion for the field. Students can gain experience by volunteering with the local mental health clinic. To qualify for an psychiatry course students must score good marks at Scottish Highers or A Levels that include one or more science subjects. They will also need to complete an entire seven-year medical education (MBBS, the MBChB). People who wish to specialize in psychiatry may choose from several sub-specialties, such as consultation-liaison psychiatry (working with patients with mental and medical conditions) or forensic psychiatry (helping incarcerated or mentally ill prisoners). Upon graduation, a psychiatrist will need to be licensed by the state in which they practice. Education Many people focus on their physical health but a person's mental health is equally important. Anxiety disorders, depression and schizophrenia, as well as other diseases can have a negative effect on the life of a person. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed psychiatric training to diagnose and treat these ailments. They can prescribe medication as well as conduct therapy sessions and provide support. Some are trained in specific areas, such as child or adolescent psychotherapy or substance abuse disorders. You will need a bachelor's degree from a university or college that is recognized as a psychiatrist. It is recommended to pursue a major in biology or health science, as this will help you to meet the requirements needed for admission into medical school. Volunteering at the local mental health clinic or a membership in psychiatry and pre-med organizations also may increase your chances of being accepted into a competitive medical school program. After you have graduated from medical school, you will need to complete a residency of four years in psychiatry at a hospital or a clinic in your state. The first year will include rotations in general subjects such as internal medicine, neurology and pediatrics. In the third and second years of the residency you will learn about mental illness treatments, such as psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. You will also gain experience in consultations and learn to supervise junior residents. The final step is to earn a license to practice in your state. This process varies from state to state, but you can expect to pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination or Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination. You may also opt to obtain a board certification through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. It's not required however it can improve your job prospects and make the field more attractive to those who are interested in it. You must renew your certification every ten years. Many psychiatrists are employed in various settings, such as community mental health centers or private offices. Some are employed by government or research agencies. like this specialize in specific kinds of mental disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Others may work closely alongside primary care providers to ensure the patient's overall wellness and health. Experience Many people focus on their physical health. However maintaining a healthy mental state should also be a priority. Psychiatrists are medically trained to diagnose, treat and prevent chemical dependency, mental emotional, behavioral, and disorders. They can prescribe medication and lab tests, and carry out procedures. They also collaborate with other health professionals to provide most optimal care possible for their patients. After four years of medical school, future psychiatrists must complete a residency program in psychiatry, where they will be able to practice their skills in a real-world clinical setting. During this time they will work under the supervision of a psychiatrist who has previous experience. Individuals who want to pursue a further specialization may opt to complete an additional year of training in an area such as child and adolescent psychiatry, forensic psychotherapy or brain injury medicine. Psychiatrists collaborate with other healthcare professionals to aid their patients recover from their ailments. They might recommend psychotherapy like meeting with licensed therapists regularly to discuss thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Therapists with these qualifications include Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and licensed professional Counselors. Psychiatric treatments often include the use of medication to manage symptoms. Psychiatrists use sedatives, anxiolytics, and hypnotics for anxiety relief. They also employ mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder. The efficacy of a few newer treatments, like ketamine treatment and transcranial magnetic stimulation, is being studied. There is a growing demand for psychiatrists as the population ages and is facing more mental health problems. Anyone who is interested in this field should think about joining a professional group to keep up-to-date with the latest research findings and network with others. A psychiatrist must be conversant with pharmacokinetics, and the mechanism of action for every medication they prescribe. This information is crucial in determining the appropriate dosage and ensuring that the medication produces the desired effect. It is commonplace to combine medications to treat a patient. Therefore, it is vital that a psychiatrist knows the interactions between drugs and side effects. Training The education required to become a psychiatrist with a specialization in mental health is rigorous and extensive. After medical school, a psychiatrist must complete a residency program of four years where they treat patients with mental illness. They will learn to diagnose and treat mental disorders such as schizophrenia bipolar and anxiety disorders, clinical depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, eating disorders, and alcohol abuse. Psychiatrists are also trained to prescribe medication. During their residency, psychiatrists may spend time both in general medical facilities and in psychiatric wards. As they gain experience, they will be able to decide whether or not they want to specialize in a particular field of psychotherapy. The most popular sub-fields are child and adolescents psychology and psychoanalysis for forensic purposes (psychology), neuropsychiatry (psychology) and addiction psychotherapy. Some psychiatrists choose to specialize in a particular specialization, like psychoanalysis or pain management. In addition to their formal education Mental health psychiatrists must be able to manage the emotional stress and anxiety that are often associated with mental health issues. Some people may be in crisis, such as having hallucinations or thoughts of suicide, while others may be dealing with chronic issues such as feelings of sadness and hopelessness. The psychiatrist should be able to assess the situation and determine which best treatment is for each patient. Psychiatrists should be able to take orders and interpret all laboratory tests in the medical field to get an accurate picture of the patient's health. To establish a diagnosis they must be able to integrate the results of these tests with the patient's history and symptoms. This is done in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Psychiatrists must also be able to communicate clearly with patients and other professionals. They must be able explain complicated medical information to people who have no medical knowledge. They also need to be able to handle difficult situations, since they might encounter patients who are aggressive or anxious. Psychologists can also receive additional education and professional growth through membership in professional organizations.