Psychiatry Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Psychiatry?

Psychiatry is a branch of medicine that is focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses. It includes a wide range of interventions from pharmacotherapy to psychotherapy and even lifestyle changes.The basis of psychiatry lies in understanding the causes and effects of mental illness. This involves learning about the biology, psychology, and social factors that contribute to an individual’s symptoms. In addition to medical treatments for physical symptoms, psychiatrists also employ psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy to help patients manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.Most psychiatrists practice in private clinics or hospitals where they provide both outpatient services (for persons who do not require 24-hour care) as well as inpatient services for those individuals requiring more intensive treatment or monitoring. Many psychiatrists also work with other health care professionals such as psychologists and social workers to coordinate care for their patients. The majority of psychiatric treatments are provided through public health systems which are funded by taxes or insurance premiums paid by citizens.Psychiatry has made tremendous strides over the last century in understanding mental illness and developing effective treatments for it. However there is still much work to be done in order to improve access to care for people living with mental illness around the world. With increased funding for research into better treatments, improved access to quality care, and greater awareness about mental health issues we can continue making progress towards ensuring people everywhere have access to safe, effective psychiatric treatments that help them live healthier lives.