Psychiatry: Understanding the Field

What is the primary focus of psychiatry?

• Performing surgeries

• Understanding and treating mental health disorders

• Developing new medications

• Treating physical illnesses

How do psychiatrists differ from psychologists in terms of treatment?

• Psychologists can perform surgeries, psychiatrists cannot

• Psychiatrists can prescribe medication, psychologists cannot

• Psychologists can prescribe medication, psychiatrists cannot

• Psychiatrists focus on physical health, psychologists on mental health

What is a key responsibility of a clinical psychiatrist?

• Performing surgeries

• Developing new medications

• Conducting laboratory research

• Seeing patients and generating treatment plans

What is the typical duration of a psychiatry residency?

• 3 years

• 2 years

• 5 years

• 4 years

Which subspecialty focuses on the overlap between psychiatry and law?

• Geriatric psychiatry

• Forensic psychiatry

• Child psychiatry

• Addiction psychiatry

What is a common setting for public psychiatrists to work in?

• Military bases

• Corporate offices

• Community or underserved patient populations

• Private practice

What is a major challenge faced by psychiatrists in private practice?

• Lack of autonomy

• High patient turnover

• Isolation

• Limited patient interaction

What is a common misconception about modern electroconvulsive therapy?

• It is performed without patient consent

• It is painful and causes convulsions

• It is done without anesthesia

• It is unsafe and outdated

What is a key consideration for someone deciding to pursue psychiatry?

• Interest in performing surgeries

• Comfort with ambiguity and complexity

• Desire for a high-pressure work environment

• Preference for short-term patient relationships

What is a benefit of working in psychiatry in terms of work-life balance?

• High-stress work environment

• Regular business hours with infrequent emergencies

• Long and unpredictable hours

• Frequent overnight emergencies