What is Psychiatry?

Psychiatry is the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in mental health, including substance use disorders. Psychiatrists are qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological conditions.

People seek psychiatric care for many reasons. Symptoms can be sudden, such as panic attacks, hallucinations, thoughts of suicide, or hearing voices. They may also be long-term, such as persistent sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, or difficulty functioning in daily life.

What is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist?

A board-certified psychiatrist has completed required training, holds an unrestricted medical license, fulfills ongoing certification requirements, and passes periodic examinations through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN).

Board certification indicates that a psychiatrist has specialized knowledge and skills to diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health conditions, from acute concerns to long-term management.

What is a Licensed Therapist?

A licensed therapist is a trained mental health professional who provides counseling and psychotherapy to help individuals manage emotional, behavioral, and psychological concerns. Common types of licensed therapists include Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), and Licensed Psychologists.

Licensed therapists complete graduate-level education, supervised clinical training, and must meet state licensing requirements. They are qualified to assess mental health concerns, provide therapy, and support individuals in developing coping strategies. Therapy with a licensed therapist can help improve emotional well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life.

What is mental illness?

Mental illnesses are health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking, or behavior (or a combination of these). They are often associated with distress and/or difficulty functioning in social, work, or family settings.

Mental illness is common. In a given year:

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience some form of mental illness
• 1 in 24 experience a serious mental illness
• 1 in 12 have a diagnosable substance use disorder

Mental illness is treatable, and many individuals continue to function successfully in their daily lives.

What are the warning signs of mental illness?

Major mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder rarely appear suddenly. In many cases, family members, friends, teachers, or individuals themselves notice early changes in thinking, mood, or behavior.

Recognizing these early warning signs and seeking help can make a significant difference. Early intervention may reduce the severity of symptoms and, in some cases, delay or prevent the development of more serious conditions.

What are Bipolar Disorders?

Bipolar disorders are brain-based conditions that cause changes in mood, energy, and the ability to function. This category includes bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder.

People with bipolar disorders experience distinct mood episodes, which may be manic, hypomanic, or depressive. These episodes are often followed by periods of more stable mood. With appropriate treatment, individuals can manage symptoms and lead full, productive lives.

What is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition in which individuals experience recurring, unwanted thoughts, ideas, or sensations (obsessions) that lead them to perform repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These behaviors, such as handwashing, checking, or cleaning, can interfere with daily life.

While many people experience repetitive thoughts or habits, OCD involves patterns that are persistent, distressing, and difficult to control. Approximately 1.2% of Americans are affected. OCD often begins in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood, with symptoms typically appearing around age 19.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts, behaviors, and emotional patterns. It is a structured, goal-oriented approach that emphasizes practical solutions.

CBT is based on the idea that thoughts influence how we feel and behave. It helps individuals recognize distorted thinking patterns and develop healthier ways of responding. CBT has been shown to be effective for a wide range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, and OCD.

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages individuals to accept difficult thoughts and feelings rather than avoiding them. It helps people respond more flexibly to challenges instead of reacting automatically or becoming overwhelmed.

ACT combines mindfulness and acceptance strategies with behavior change techniques. The goal is to increase psychological flexibility, allowing individuals to act in alignment with their values while managing difficult internal experiences more effectively.

What is Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) in psychiatry?

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is increasingly used across healthcare. It is taught in medical schools and supported by government agencies and insurance providers. However, its application in psychiatry can be more complex.

EBM aims to guide clinicians toward the most effective treatments based on research. While this goal is important, psychiatry often involves variability in diagnosis and individual patient response, which can make strict application of EBM challenging.

Definitions: The paradigms that define EBM (and EBP) are based on data from published clinical studies.

• Grade A: Randomized clinical trials with homogeneous populations and placebo controls
• Grade B: Randomized clinical trials with heterogeneous populations, without placebo controls
• Grade C: Observational studies, case series, and open clinical trials