Psychiatry

A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor acquiring additional specialist qualifications enabling advanced evaluation and care of patients suffering from mental health conditions. Conditions seen in this specialty include schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, anxiety and depressive mood disorders, substance abuse disorders, sexual and gender identity disorders, and adjustment and personality disorders.  They provide counseling and, in comparison to a psychologist or counsellor, a psychiatrist is qualified to order diagnostic laboratory tests and to prescribe medications. Psychiatrists may further specialize in specific areas, such as addiction psychiatry, or in treating specific age groups, such as adolescents.