What are the different areas of Psychiatry?
I am thinking of going into Psychiatry but I don't know much about the different parts of it. Is there Psychiatry with a special focus on children? Can someone list the different areas of Psychiatry I could focus on? And if you are a Psychiatrist, do you have a specific focus (environment, patient type, etc) #science #psychology #psychiatry
1 answer
Daniela Silva
Daniela’s Answer
Hello Rama,
Types of Psychiatrists
There are a number of different specialty areas in psychiatry. Some different types of specialized psychiatrists include:
Addiction psychiatrist – Works with people suffering from addiction and substance abuse issues
Adult psychiatrist – Works with adults experiencing mental illness or psychological distress
Adolescent and child psychiatrist – Works with children and teens
Forensic psychiatrist – Works in the courts and criminal justice system
Geriatric psychiatrist – Works with elderly populations
Neuropsychiatrist – Treats mental disorders associated with nervous system problems, brain diseases and brain injuries
Organizational psychiatrist – Practices psychiatry in workplace and organizational settings
How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychiatrist?
Typically, it takes about eight years of post-undergraduate study in order to become a board-certified psychiatrist.
The educational timeline for becoming a psychiatrist looks much like this:
- Bachelor's degree: 4 years
- Medical school: 4 years
- Residency: 4 years
Pediatric Psychiatrist
- Pediatric psychiatrists are medical doctors who are trained to identify psychological problems in children and adolescents. They may work with patients who display depression or antisocial symptoms and behaviors, or those born with pre-existing conditions, such as autism or attention deficit disorder. Pediatric psychiatrists prescribe treatment plans using psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, hospitalization, and/or medication.
Pediatric psychiatrists may work in hospitals, in-patient care centers, or operate their own private practices. Those who work in 24-hour care centers may have irregular hours, including evenings and weekends. Private practice psychiatrists, including pediatric psychiatrists, generally have more control over their schedules. This job can be very rewarding and emotionally difficult, depending on the patients and the issues they are working through.
Before practicing with children and adolescents, professional pediatric psychiatrists must obtain certification in general psychiatry from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). Certification requires a degree from an accredited medical school and a current state medical license. Additionally, candidates must take and pass an exam. Board certification must be renewed every 10 years.
Read more detailed in: http://psychology.about.com/od/psychologycareerprofiles/a/psychiatrist.htm
http://study.com/articles/How_to_Become_a_Pediatric_Psychiatrist_Education_and_Career_Roadmap.html
All the Best!