Smileband Health issues

What is a psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a medically-qualified practitioner who will have spent 5-6 years training to be a doctor. He or she will then have worked as a doctor in general medicine and surgery for at least a year. He or she will then have had at least 6 years of further training in helping people with psychological problems. psychiatrist’s special skills?All psychiatrists will learn how to:

• assess a person's state of mind
• use the “biopsychosocial” model of understanding. This emphasises the importance of a person's past experiences, family, culture, surroundings and work as well as any medical features.
• diagnose a mental illness
• use a range of psychological treatments
• use a range of medications
• help a person recover.

As well as these 'core' skills, a psychiatrist will specialise and develop skills in working with the particular problems that affect different groups of people.

For example:

• a general adult psychiatrist needs to develop skills in talking with people who have disordered thinking and hallucinations.
• a child psychiatrist will usually develop skills in working with families and with the special needs of children.

Where do psychiatryists work?

These days, NHS psychiatrists work across a whole range of places – from the street (literally) to specialist hospital units. However, most work in community mental health teams, out-patient departments and hospital wards. Some do sessions in general practices.

How do they work?

Psychiatrists sometimes see patients on their own in an out-patient clinic. More often, they work as part of a team with colleagues from other professions such as nursing, social work, psychology and occupational therapy.

The team will ask the psychiatrist to see patients, either on their own or with another member of the team present. The psychiatrist will also work as a consultant to the team, discussing people's individual mental health needs and working out how to best manage them.

The psychiatrist will also review patients with other team members in their regular team review meetings.

How would I get to see a psychiatrist?

Usually your GP will need to refer you. Quite often, the first person you will see is a nurse, a social worker or an occupational therapist from the community mental health team. They will usually decide with you whether you need to see the psychiatrist. Some specialist teams accept referrals directly from families, social workers or voluntary groups.

What might a psychiatrist ask me about?

A psychiatrist will ask you about the problem that has brought you to see them. They may also ask about anything that has happened in your life, your thoughts and feelings and your physical health. This is so that he or she can get a thorough understanding of your situation.

What might a psychiatrist recommend?

• Psychological treatments
• Medications
• Practical ways of dealing with an illness
• Practical ways to stay well
• Ways to get active, see other people and get back to things you like doing.