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Treatments used by psychiatrists |
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Psychiatric treatments are tested and researched in the same rigorous way as other medical treatments.
A psychiatrist’s choice of a particular treatment is based on its proven effectiveness in treating the symptom or illness.
Treatment methods can be physical, psychological, involve medication, or may be a combination of these approaches. In some cases, an admission to hospital is required.
Psychotherapy is an important method of treatment in which the psychiatrist and patient discuss problems during regularly scheduled sessions to assist the patient understand the basis of their problems and to find a solution.
A wide range of medications is now available for use in psychiatric illnesses. Medications can now effectively remove symptoms, alter the course of illnesses and commonly return patients to a normal life.
In some instances, medications can be life saving, for example, in a case of a severe depressive illness. Psychiatrists are highly experienced in prescribing and monitoring these medications.
Where do psychiatrists work? Psychiatrists work in a variety of settings including general and psychiatric hospitals, universities, community mental health services and public and private clinics.
Many psychiatrists have a predominantly private practice. Others work mainly in hospitals or in prisons, or in a variety of public health facilities.
Some psychiatrists work in more than one area, such as combining part time work in a public hospital with a private practice. Psychiatrists are also involved in a broad range of community issues and organisations, and are often called upon to assist both government and non-government agencies in the development of mental health policies and services.
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