Psychiatrists are qualified doctors who specialise in mental illness. They work with people with a range of problems, such as depression, psychotic disorders, anxiety, stress, dementia, addiction and personality issues. In addition, patients who have long-term physical conditions often develop mental health issues and psychiatrists form one of a team of specialists who work with them. In general the psychiatrist works with the patient to make a diagnosis and draw up a treatment programme which can involve a combination of measures, such as drugs, counselling and, perhaps, physical interventions. They continue to meet with their patient to follow up progress and make any changes to their treatment that may be needed. Psychiatrists also need to understand aspects of the law that refer to the Mental Health Act and the Mental Capacity Act.
Key skills required:
Restrictions:
In this role you will:
You could work in an NHS or private hospital, at a health centre, at a hospice, at an adult care home, at a client's home or in a prison.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.
When researching medicine degrees, check out individual university requirements as they do vary. Applicants for medicine may also have to sit the UCAT or BMAT exam; find out more about when you need to register and when it takes place. During the degree, information is given on when and how to apply for the next stage, the two year Foundation Programme.
Specialist training takes place after the Foundation Programme. Specialist training in psychiatry take at least 6 years. The first three years is spent in developing core knowledge and the higher level training is in one of six specialities: child and adolescent, forensic, general adult, learning disability, old age and medical psychotherapy.
Whilst these are the usual routes to this career, there can be alternatives. You will be able to discuss these with your adviser.