Psychiatrist

Common tasks

• Prescribe, direct, or administer psychotherapeutic treatments or medications to treat mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders.
• Gather and maintain patient information and records, including social or medical history obtained from patients, relatives, or other professionals.
• Collaborate with physicians, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, or other professionals to discuss treatment plans and progress.
• Counsel outpatients or other patients during office visits.
• Analyze and evaluate patient data or test findings to diagnose nature or extent of mental disorder.
• Examine or conduct laboratory or diagnostic tests on patients to provide information on general physical condition or mental disorder.
• Design individualized care plans, using a variety of treatments.
• Advise or inform guardians, relatives, or significant others of patients' conditions or treatment.
• Teach, take continuing education classes, attend conferences or seminars, or conduct research and publish findings to increase understanding of mental, emotional, or behavioral states or disorders.
• Review and evaluate treatment procedures and outcomes of other psychiatrists or medical professionals.

Most important skills

Active Listening

Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.

Social Perceptiveness

Understanding people's reactions.

Critical Thinking

Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.

Speaking

Talking to others.

Writing

Writing things for co-workers or customers.

Reading Comprehension

Reading work-related information.

Judgment and Decision Making

Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one.

Monitoring

Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements.