Australian GovernmentStudy Australia

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists diagnose, assess, treat and prevent human mental, emotional and behavioural disorders. Psychiatric Registrars training as Psychiatrists are included here.

What the job involves

  • Assessing patients' mental and physical status to determine the nature and extent of mental, emotional and behavioural disorders

  • Assessing patients' medical, psychiatric and psychological histories

  • Examining patients to determine general physical condition

  • Ordering laboratory tests, imaging, neuropsychological tests and other diagnostic procedures

  • Examining the results of tests and examinations to determine the most appropriate forms of treatment

  • Prescribing and administering medication, psychotherapy, and other physical treatments and rehabilitation programs

  • Arranging admission to hospitals and providing in-patient treatment

  • Consulting, supervising and working with other Medical Practitioners and Health Professionals

  • Determining whether patients require involuntary treatment in accordance with relevant mental health acts

  • Assisting courts and other statutory bodies in managing patients in legal and forensic settings

  • Teaching medical students and registrars, and assessing their progress by administering tests