Psychiatrists are doctors trained in Allopathic medicine with an MBBS degree which takes about 5and half years to complete. This is followed by an additional 3 year post graduate training in mental health. Hence, Psychiatrists are allopathic doctors trained to assess, diagnose, treat mental heath disorders such as Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Addictive disorders, Bipolar Affective disorders, Mania, Childhood behavioral disorders, Dementia amongst many others.

A Psychiatrist attempts to assess if there is the presence of any mental health issue/concern/illness or disorder in a person. A Psychiatrist also tries to understand how one’s Life situations, personality, genetics etc contribute to the presence of any mental health disorder in a patient. This is done by interviewing the person, his close family members, discussing any medical illness that he may have and any treatment for the same. Doctor may also advise some blood tests or MRI etc to evaluate the same. Sometimes a psychologist may also be assigned to asses the person with the help of some questionaires and tests to understand the person’s psyche in more details.

Psychiatrists are doctors trained in Allopathic medicine with an MBBS degree which takes about 5and half years to complete. This is followed by an additional 3 year post graduate training in mental health.

Choosing a Psychiatrist as per your needs is an important task. Even though we generaly ask for recomendations from family and friends for a agood child specialist or orthopedician, we may not be comfortable revealing our mental health concerns to known ones due to privacy issues, fear of being judged or feeling embarassed. Going to a same Psychiatrist as another friend or family member can also be a concern for privacy reasons. So, to choose a Psychiatrist look for 1. easy accessibility – as Psychiatric consultations are frequent or regular, choose a aPsychiatrist who is close by. 2. Exprience – read about educational qualifications, previous experience at reputed hospitals and years of experience to decide. 3. Gender – feel free to look for a Psychiatrist of the gender you would feel comfortable sharing your intimate thoughts, relationship issues or any other sensitive topics. 4. You could also read the reviews provided by different patients previously to se if you feel connected to with the Psychiatrist.

A psychiatrist is a doctor trained in medicine and specifically in treating health concerns related to the brain and nervous system . A psychiatrist can treat your condition by prescribing you medication. A Psychologist on the other hand is a counselor who is not trained to pescribe you medicine. A Psychologist ie trained to hep you get better by using talk herapy or counseling which may involve individual counseling, couple counseling, family counseling etc. Even though all Psychiatrists are trained to do couneling, no Psychologist is trained to be a doctor . However, depending on one’s symptoms, one may reqire both or one and both are helpful in treating mental health disorders or Psychological disorders.

Psychiatrists can treat almost al mental health disorders or Psychological issues. such as :Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Migraine, Psychogenic epilepsy, Psychosis, Schizophrenia, Dementia, Alzheimer’s etc. In children, Bed wetting, Attention deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism, Behavioural issues, Intellectual Disability or Low IQ etc.

Yes, all Psychiatrists are trained and experienced to provide all Kinds of Counselling. However, they may work as a team with Psychologists to provide the same as per patient’s needs

One should consult a Psychiatrist if one feels that their emotional or Psychological concerns are causing difficulty in their work, studies, relationships, physical well being and so on. Additionally if your family or loved one’s report that your behaviour has been changed for the worse, do consult a Psychiatrist. Lastly, if there are some stressful life situations , loss of loved one, increased use of alcohol or drugs, anger issues, death wishes etc, Please Consult a Psychiatrist.

Yes. Schizophrenia is primarily treated by Psychiatrists. Even though Physicians, Neurologists can prescribe medication for schizophrenia , it is still advisable to consult a Psychiatrist. Schizophrenia is a serious Mental Health Disorder which is primarily treated with medication and Counselling is used to provide support, Explain the illness to the family, teaching them how to adapt and supporting the patient.

Talk to a friend or family member first. See if it helps. you could also talk to your school or college counsellor. Most offices also provide mental health support services these days. However, if it doesn’t help or is not available, you could talk to either a Psychiatrist or Psychologist who will diagnose your condition and guide you accordingly.i

It is Recommended to Consult A psychiatrist as and when need arises. If however, You are on regular medication, you should follow the instructions of the treating doctor and visit as he or she advises. Generally in Acute phase of illness, the follow ups are planned at shorter intervals but as patient gets better, Your Psychiatrist will space out your follow ups.

It is always advisable to prebook an appointment to consult a Psychiatrist. Although, tele-consultation services are available, it is recommended to visit in person as the rapport, ease of communication, trust and discussion can be better as compared to a virtual session where one may feel inhibited. If however, Genuine limitations exist and one has to tele-consult, Please ensure to keep all your previous documents, test reports, medications at hand . Also keep a list of points you want to bring to the Psychiatrist’s notice with you to avoid missing anything important and to structure your session well.

Yes, all Psychiatrists are trained and experienced to provide all Kinds of Counselling. However, they may work as a team ofPsychologists to provide the same as per patient’s needs

Here are Few indications: recent traumatic life incidents, long standing trauma, increased use of alcohol etc, self use of sleeping pills, symptoms consistent with a psychiatric illness, unexplained physical symptoms such as pain and aches, sleep related issues, loss of memory, impaired quality of work, anger issues, thoughts of dying, a loved one showing signs of mental illness or psychological stress, a loved one expressing need to visit a mental health needs.

Psychiatrists, do not perform Surgeries. The same is done by neurosurgeons. Psychiatrist treat by prescribing medication , providing counselling or sometimes Electroconvulsive therapy(electric shock), Deep brain stimulation etc.