Psychiatry

Psychiatry is similar to psychology in that this work requires interaction with individuals with mental and emotional disorders. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who administer medications to psychologically disturbed clients. These clients often need further treatment outside of what psychotherapy has to offer them.

A large portion of psychiatric clients see a psychologist and a psychiatrist at the same time. Like psychologists, psychiatrists can also specialize in specific areas of psychiatry. Geriatric psychiatry is one possibility for specialization. These psychiatrists often study and research Alzheimer's disease and other dementias suffered by the aging population. Another specialty area is child and adolescent psychiatry. Like child and adolescent psychology, this field of psychiatry works closely with children and adolescents. Psychiatrists focus, however, more on how children and adolescents tolerate psychiatric medications and which medications best treat their psychological disorders. There is also the American Academy of Addictions which educates the public about addictions and promotes research to improve the identification, prevention, and treatment of addictions.

Most psychiatrists are pre-med majors in undergraduate colleges and universities. Then a medical degree (M.D.) must be obtained followed by a residency program in the field of psychiatry. For example, John's Hopkins Hospital Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences offers a comprehensive educational program in clinical psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. University of Pennsylvania also has a residency program. This program includes experience in outpatient psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. Typically, medical programs last 4 years and the residency also lasts 4 years. Psychiatric programs are extremely intense and competitive, with approximately 35% of applicants gaining entrance into medical school.