Because of their medical training, there are a variety of psychiatric services that psychiatrists can offer.
1. Diagnose Mental Illness
Psychiatrists use clinical interviews, questionnaires, lab tests, and DSM-5 criteria (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) to diagnose conditions accurately. They’re trained to distinguish between psychiatric disorders and physical conditions that may mimic them (e.g., thyroid disorders causing mood symptoms).
2. Prescribe Medication
One of the main reasons people see psychiatrists is for medication management. Psychiatrists can prescribe a wide range of psychotropic medications, including:
- Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics)
- Anxiolytics (e.g., benzodiazepines, buspirone)
- Mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium, lamotrigine)
- Antipsychotics (e.g., risperidone, olanzapine)
- Stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin)
They also monitor side effects, adjust dosages, and help patients find the right medication or combination of medications over time.
3. Provide Psychotherapy
While not all psychiatrists offer therapy, some are trained in and provide forms such as:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Supportive psychotherapy
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
- Psychodynamic therapy
If a psychiatrist does not provide therapy themselves, they often coordinate care with a therapist or psychologist.
4. Evaluate Physical Contributions to Mental Illness
Psychiatrists can order labs to check for:
- Vitamin deficiencies (like B12)
- Thyroid problems
- Hormonal imbalances
- Substance use
They consider whether a medical condition or medication is contributing to psychiatric symptoms.
5. Manage Crisis Situations
Psychiatrists play a crucial role in acute care settings, including:
- Emergency rooms
- Inpatient psychiatric hospitals
- Crisis stabilization units
They assess for suicidal ideation, psychosis, and danger to self or others, and determine if hospitalization or intensive treatment is necessary.