2 answers
Katelyn
Student
1
Question
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How are psychiatrists supposed to act inside of work?
I’m a middle schooler who has been thinking about being a psychiatrist so I can help others. How are psychiatrists supposed to behave in the work field? Do psychiatrists have to be blunt, emotionless, and quiet the whole time or do they be themselves but stay respectful? What I do know is that psychiatrists are supposed to be observant and patient.
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2 answers
Kristen Jaccodine
High School School Counselor (Guidance Counselor)
18
Answers
Sussex, New Jersey
Updated
Kristen’s Answer
Hi Katelyn!
I think it is awesome that you're thinking ahead and asking questions now about careers! The more questions you ask now, the easier these decisions become.
When you study the field of counseling to become a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist, you will study different theories and philosophies. From this information and with external experience while you are in school, you will decide what style, what approach you subscribe to, what fits your personality and comfort level, and what you believe would benefit the clients you work with.
Counselors need to be patient and observant. You are correct in that! Psychiatrists are medical doctors. They will approach a client with a medical background to evaluate a person's personality and determine if their symptoms match a particular diagnosis. Are they depressed? Are they schizophrenic? Are they paranoid? Etc. These illnesses you will learn about on a college level (when you earn your bachelor's degree). When you attend medical school, you will have a psychiatric rotation. You will learn how to diagnose a person. Psychiatrists can provide counseling, but many do not. They evaluate, diagnose, and, if needed, prescribe medication, and then monitor their patients' response to that medication.
It's possible that a situation with a client would require you to be blunt. Some people respond better when their counselor or doctor is direct. But, other times, this approach could backfire. If you're a child psychiatrist, working with young kids and teenagers, being blunt may not be the best approach. If you're working with adults (18 and older), your approach may vary person to person.
If a person sees a psychiatrist, it can be because they want to or they are mandated to. Either way, when that person is across from you, they are more than likely having an emotional crisis. They are experiencing a very difficult and troubling period in their life. They may be terrified about what is happening, or they may not recognize that something is wrong (but their loved ones do). It is the psychiatrist's job to determine what the problem is and then develop a treatment plan. I don't think a psychiatrist is ever emotionless, but with time and practice, you learn how to keep your emotions out of the work. Your role is to assist the person who asked for help. Objectivity and empathy are important skills to have. To diagnose a patient, you will ask questions to assess their problem and then listen to their response. Based on everything you hear and observe through this initial evaluation, a clinical diagnosis may be given. Through follow-up appointments, the psychiatrist would continue to ask questions, to listen and observe, and then make medication adjustments as needed.
Keep asking questions!!
I think it is awesome that you're thinking ahead and asking questions now about careers! The more questions you ask now, the easier these decisions become.
When you study the field of counseling to become a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist, you will study different theories and philosophies. From this information and with external experience while you are in school, you will decide what style, what approach you subscribe to, what fits your personality and comfort level, and what you believe would benefit the clients you work with.
Counselors need to be patient and observant. You are correct in that! Psychiatrists are medical doctors. They will approach a client with a medical background to evaluate a person's personality and determine if their symptoms match a particular diagnosis. Are they depressed? Are they schizophrenic? Are they paranoid? Etc. These illnesses you will learn about on a college level (when you earn your bachelor's degree). When you attend medical school, you will have a psychiatric rotation. You will learn how to diagnose a person. Psychiatrists can provide counseling, but many do not. They evaluate, diagnose, and, if needed, prescribe medication, and then monitor their patients' response to that medication.
It's possible that a situation with a client would require you to be blunt. Some people respond better when their counselor or doctor is direct. But, other times, this approach could backfire. If you're a child psychiatrist, working with young kids and teenagers, being blunt may not be the best approach. If you're working with adults (18 and older), your approach may vary person to person.
If a person sees a psychiatrist, it can be because they want to or they are mandated to. Either way, when that person is across from you, they are more than likely having an emotional crisis. They are experiencing a very difficult and troubling period in their life. They may be terrified about what is happening, or they may not recognize that something is wrong (but their loved ones do). It is the psychiatrist's job to determine what the problem is and then develop a treatment plan. I don't think a psychiatrist is ever emotionless, but with time and practice, you learn how to keep your emotions out of the work. Your role is to assist the person who asked for help. Objectivity and empathy are important skills to have. To diagnose a patient, you will ask questions to assess their problem and then listen to their response. Based on everything you hear and observe through this initial evaluation, a clinical diagnosis may be given. Through follow-up appointments, the psychiatrist would continue to ask questions, to listen and observe, and then make medication adjustments as needed.
Keep asking questions!!
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Katelyn
Hi Katelyn! You are very welcome! Take Care - Kristen
Kristen Jaccodine
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1210
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Katelyn,
Psychiatrists are medical professionals who diagnose, occasionally offer advice, and often prescribe or modify medication. They also develop their own style over time based on their training, personality, and the needs of the people they work with. I believe you're asking an important question, not just "what do psychiatrists do?" but "what kind of person do I have to be to do the job well?" Kristen provided you with an excellent breakdown of the role and training path, and she's right.
The profession does not require constant emotionlessness or bluntness. Trust and empathy are balanced by competent psychiatrists. When it makes someone feel safe, they can be kind, considerate, and even humorous, but they also know when to be blunt. The patient in front of them and the circumstances determine a lot.
Being patient and attentive are two qualities you have already mentioned. The main traits of a successful psychiatrist are the capacity for attentive listening, clear questioning, and maintaining composure in the face of suffering.
You will have years of education and practical experience to determine your own method, as Kristen mentioned. You only need to be professional, kind, and dedicated to supporting individuals during some of their most trying times; you don't need to strictly fit into a "quiet" or "blunt" box.
Best wishes
Psychiatrists are medical professionals who diagnose, occasionally offer advice, and often prescribe or modify medication. They also develop their own style over time based on their training, personality, and the needs of the people they work with. I believe you're asking an important question, not just "what do psychiatrists do?" but "what kind of person do I have to be to do the job well?" Kristen provided you with an excellent breakdown of the role and training path, and she's right.
The profession does not require constant emotionlessness or bluntness. Trust and empathy are balanced by competent psychiatrists. When it makes someone feel safe, they can be kind, considerate, and even humorous, but they also know when to be blunt. The patient in front of them and the circumstances determine a lot.
Being patient and attentive are two qualities you have already mentioned. The main traits of a successful psychiatrist are the capacity for attentive listening, clear questioning, and maintaining composure in the face of suffering.
You will have years of education and practical experience to determine your own method, as Kristen mentioned. You only need to be professional, kind, and dedicated to supporting individuals during some of their most trying times; you don't need to strictly fit into a "quiet" or "blunt" box.
Best wishes