A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental health, including substance use disorders. Psychiatrists are qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological disturbance.  A psychiatrist has completed medical school (is an M.D. or D.O.) and an additional four or more years of residency training in psychiatry.

People seek psychiatric help for many reasons. The problems can be sudden, such as a panic attack or frightening hallucinations, thoughts of suicide or hearing “voices”.  Of they may be more long-term such as feelings of sadness and hopelessness or anxious feelings that never seem to lift, causing everyday life to feel distorted or out of control.

American Psychiatric Association.  (2012).  About Psychiatry.  American Psychiatric Association. 

Retrieved May 5, 2013 from http://www.psychiatry.org/about-apa–psychiatry/more-about-psychiatry