Psychiatrist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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psychiatrist
[sสษชหkaษชษtrษชst ]
Definition
medical profession
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses. Psychiatrists are trained to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems and can prescribe medication, offer therapy, and provide other forms of treatment.
Synonyms
mental health professional, psychologist, therapist.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| psychiatrist |
Used when referring to a medical doctor specialized in mental health, who can prescribe medication and provide therapy.
|
| mental health professional |
General term used for any professional who works in the field of mental health, including psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and therapists.
|
| psychologist |
Refers to a professional trained in psychology, focusing on behavioral therapy and assessments, but typically cannot prescribe medication.
|
| therapist |
Broad term often used to describe someone providing therapeutic services, which can include psychologists, counselors, and social workers.
|
Examples of usage
- A psychiatrist may work in a hospital, clinic, or private practice.
- The psychiatrist conducted a thorough evaluation before making a diagnosis.
- Patients often seek help from a psychiatrist when experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety.
- Psychiatrists play a crucial role in the mental health field.
- Many psychiatrists choose to specialize in certain areas such as child psychiatry or addiction psychiatry.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'psychiatrist'
The term 'psychiatrist' originated from the Greek words 'psyche' meaning 'soul' or 'mind' and 'iatros' meaning 'healer' or 'physician'. The practice of psychiatry dates back to ancient civilizations, where individuals with mental illnesses were often treated with superstitions or religious rituals. Over time, the field of psychiatry has evolved with advancements in medical science and psychology, leading to the development of modern psychiatric practices and treatments.
See also: psychedelic, psychiatric.