Who is a psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a physician who has completed basic training in medicine, followed by a residency in psychiatry (4 years for adult psychiatry and 5 years for child psychiatry). The role of the psychiatrist is to diagnose mental disorders based on the clinical picture of the disorder, the medical history, and the results of various tests. Depending on the symptoms and diagnosis of the disorder, the psychiatrist will prescribe medication and/or recommend psychotherapeutic intervention. The psychiatrist will work with other physicians and mental health professionals (e.g. clinical psychologist, mental health nurse) as necessary. Psychiatric treatment is in line with international treatment guidelines.