Psychiatry is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders. It helps understand the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors affecting mental health.

• Anxiety disorders Characterised by excessive fear or worry, often with physical symptoms like increased heart rate or sweating.

• Psychotic disorders Include conditions like schizophrenia that involve distorted thinking and perceptions (e.g., hallucinations, delusions).

• Mood disorders Disorders like depression and bipolar disorder, affecting emotional states and energy levels.

• Personality disorders Involve enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate markedly from cultural expectations.

• Eating disorders Include conditions like anorexia nervosa and bulimia, marked by extreme behaviors around food and body image.

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Develops after exposure to a traumatic event, often with flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.

• Neurodevelopmental disorders Includes ADHD, ASD, and others that begin in childhood and affect development and daily functioning.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in mental health. They diagnose mental disorders, prescribe medication, provide psychotherapy, and may use other treatments like brain stimulation therapies. They consider both the physical and mental aspects of mental health.

The term 'psychiatry' got its name as a medical speciality in the early 1800s. It comes from the Greek words 'psyche' (soul, mind) and 'iatreia' (healing, medical treatment).

Yes, in India and many other countries, a psychiatrist must first complete an MBBS degree, which is the foundational medical qualification. After MBBS, they pursue an MD (Doctor of Medicine) in Psychiatry to become a certified psychiatrist.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose, prescribe medication, and offer therapy. A psychologist focuses on psychotherapy and psychological testing, but cannot prescribe medication.

Yes, a licensed online psychiatrist can conduct a thorough evaluation and provide a diagnosis through online consultations, adhering to the same diagnostic criteria as in-person settings.

Yes, online psychiatry is reputable and is being considered by many people, especially when provided by licensed and board-certified psychiatrists through secure and compliant platforms. It offers convenient access to professional mental services.

Psychiatric services include a range of treatments including psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis, medication management, various forms of psychotherapy (individual, group, family), crisis intervention, and consultation for co-occurring medical conditions.

Psychiatry includes a comprehensive approach to mental health, integrating biological treatments (like medication) with psychological therapies (like CBT, DBT) and considering social and environmental factors that impact a person's well-being.

A psychiatrist can treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including but not limited to: depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, eating disorders, addiction, and personality disorders. They can also address mental health issues related to physical illnesses.