Psychiatrist
/saɪˈkaɪətrɪst/
Definitions
A medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses.
/saɪˈkaɪətrɪst/
A medical doctor specializing in mental health.
The psychiatrist prescribed medication to help manage the patient's anxiety.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone has a sad feeling that won't go away or keeps seeing things that aren't there. A psychiatrist is a doctor who helps with these kinds of feelings and problems, like a detective for your brain!
👶 For kids: A doctor who helps people with their feelings and minds when they feel sad or confused.
More Examples
After the accident, he sought help from a psychiatrist to deal with the trauma.
She is a qualified psychiatrist with years of experience in treating eating disorders.
How It's Used
"The psychiatrist diagnosed the patient with depression."
"Patients often consult with a psychiatrist for treatment of mental disorders."
From the German word 'Psychiater,' formed from the prefix 'psych-' (relating to the mind) and '-iatrist' (one who practices medicine), ultimately from the Greek word 'psychē' meaning 'soul' or 'mind.' The term gained prominence in the 19th century with the formalization of psychiatry as a medical specialty.
The term became widely used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as psychiatry evolved and became increasingly formalized as a medical specialty.
Memory tip
Think of PSYCH (mind) + IATRIST (healer) = Psychiatrist: The mind healer.
Word Origin
"soul, mind"