ABOUT PSYCHIATRY

Psychiatry is a branch of medicine specialising in the prevention and treatment of mental disorder, and the promotion of mental health in the community. By virtue of their specialist training psychiatrists bring a comprehensive and integrated bio-psychosocial approach to the diagnosis, assessment, treatment and prevention of psychiatric disorder and mental health problems.

Psychiatrists treat patients and work with the patient’s general practitioner and other primary health care providers, families and carers of patients, and the general community. The work of psychiatrists includes the prevention, management, and relief of suffering caused by a range of developmental, emotional, behavioural and cognitive disorders.