Psychiatry is a specialty of medicine that focuses on researching, understanding, diagnosing, and treating diseases of the brain and disorders of the mind and behavior. Psychiatrists diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, from Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety , and autism to mood disorders, Munchausen syndrome , psychosis , and suicidality . As physicians, psychiatrists are trained to recognize the many ways general physiologic processes and pathologies can influence mental functioning—and v
Frontiers of Research
Understanding Psychiatry
Psychiatry is a complex topic with many dimensions. Research in psychology and neuroscience has significantly advanced our understanding in recent years.
Practical Implications
Understanding psychiatry has real-world applications in:
- Personal mental health and wellbeing
- Relationships and communication
- Professional performance and leadership
- Parenting and education
Explore More About Psychiatry
For a comprehensive understanding of psychiatry, read our complete guide: