A Career In Psychiatry

Submitted by dragonflyz83 on 06/30/2008 05:21 PM

  • Category: Medical
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A Career In Psychiatry

Psychiatry, a method of medical care that focuses on problems of mental illness, provides treatment to patients by a wide variety of treatments and prescriptions. According to one respected psychiatrist Karl A. Menninger, mental health is "the adjustment of human beings to the world and to each other with a maximum of effectiveness and happiness." (Opportunities in Mental Health Careers 1).
Many people turn to study psychiatry because the brain and the way it functions and affects us intrigue them. Psychiatrists study the relationship between the brain and the body and, in some circumstances, why it doesn't function correctly. A number of people visit the psychiatrist when they have personal or social related problems. These problems can range from shyness to obsessive compulsive disorder.
Psychiatrists in different fields of study may treat their patients in different ways. Behavioral therapists may use relaxation, prescribe medicine or even meditation. Psychotherapists treat patients by talking through the emotional problem, helping the patient to get to the root of the problem and see what is causing it. Psychoanalysts also use talking therapy and may also examine a patient's dreams. Child psychiatrists mainly use a form of play therapy for young children. Industrial psychiatrists work with
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companies to help workers over come career-affecting problems. Forensic psychiatrists are employed in the field of law. They examine defendants to conclude whether or not the defendant understands their charges and if they can defend themselves. Psychologists are not physicians and cannot prescribe medicine, but also work with patients with mental or emotional problems. (Psychology and Psychiatry www.guidetopsychology.com).
Patients who possess a chronic illness take up most of a psychiatrist's time. The psychiatrist needs to be able to use a wide variety of treatments and needs a solid knowledge of all...

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