Types of Psychiatrists

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.