Psychiatrist

JOB

Health services| Humanities and sciences

Psychiatrists work in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of mental illnesses. The work also includes diagnosis and treatment of various behavioural problems. Psychiatrists use a variety of treatment options; biological, social and/or in the form of psychotherapy.

As a psychiatrist, you can either work in private practice or within the healthcare system; in outpatient wards, day wards, inpatient wards or rehabilitation centres. Psychiatrists usually lead partnerships within the mental health system and also participate in teaching and research. Many specialize in areas such as child and adolescent psychiatry, treatment of alcohol and drug addiction, geriatric psychiatry or particular forms of treatment. Physician is a certified healthcare profession.

Main tasks

assessment of mental and physical condition and diagnosis of mental illness
provide treatment to individuals with mental disorders
provide individual, couple, and family interviews and applying group therapy
collaboration with families and/or previous therapists
formulating long-term or short-term treatment plans
managing and controlling the implementation of treatment
supervising other employees in the mental healthcare system

Competence requirements

As a psychiatrist, it is necessary to have extensive knowledge of the psychological tests, drugs and therapeutic methods used in the field, as well as being familiar with neurophysiological research and treatment plans. Traits such as responsibility, reliability, meticulousness and a critical mindset are also important for a psychiatrist. It is also important to be able to show consideration and calmness in difficult situations as well as working well under pressure.

Study

To become a psychiatrist, one must first complete a six-year undergraduate program in medical studies. Then follows the candidate year, which is vocational training to obtain a general medical license. This is followed by a four-and-a-half-year specialist program in psychiatry, which can be completed in Iceland and takes place mostly at the psychiatry department of Landspítali – The National University Hospital of Iceland.

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