5 Key Qualities Of A Good Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist has to attend medical school, complete residency, and earn the Doctor of Medicine to diagnose, treat, and prevent emotional, behavioral, and emotional disorders in patients. A psychiatrist has the skills and ability to undertake specialized procedures, prescribe medications, and provide psychological treatment to treat patients with mental illness.
However, besides academic qualifications, there are some key qualities that you should look for before hiring a psychiatrist. These qualities will help to ensure that psychiatrists provide the highest standards of care to their patients. Below are five key qualities of a good psychiatrist:
1. Empathy
A recent study found that psychiatrists offering assistance to individuals with mental illness need to be empathetic while exercising their practice even in situations where a patient is unwilling to get help or is struggling to communicate with others emotionally and logically stemming from their mental disorders. Showing empathy means actively listening to and respecting the concerns and feelings of their patient and showing concern in return. Besides medication, showing empathy to patients has been to enhance the effectiveness of mental illness treatments.
2. Knowledgeable
Competent psychiatrists have an in-depth understanding of medications, their effects and side effects, and safety considerations. For instance, in case a patient has a history of drug addiction, they need to be cautious about prescribing them medications that are highly addictive. Also, competent psychiatrists need to know when to reduce doses or alter medications following adverse side effects and ineffectiveness.
3. Flexible
In order to establish a supportive environment that caters to their patient’s specific needs, they need to be flexible. Psychiatrists need to be open and willing to try out other approaches and treatments should the first one fail to produce the desired results. Competent psychiatrists will be flexible in their methods of treatment. In case a patient isn’t able to attend in-person visits, they can consider making house calls and if that’s not viable, telepsychiatry. This will help to expand access to psychiatry care to those who need it.
4. Conscientious
Psychiatrists need to pay close attention to their patient’s needs and concerns. In this regard, they need to respect their time, be accessible and punctual while setting the ground for open communication. This will help show their patients that it is okay to be vulnerable and it will motivate them to open up about their illness and receive the treatment they require.
5. Lifelong Learner
Quality psychiatrists recognize the benefits of continuous learning. This helps ensure that they stay up-to-date with the latest treatment technologies and medical standards. Good psychiatrists will never shy away from asking questions or consulting peers should the need arise. By doing so, they will help ensure that they have the best interests of their patients at heart and provide them with the best care possible.
Psychiatrists play a crucial role in society. They help to promote good mental health. Given the fact that one in every 5 adults in the United States has a medical condition, their contribution cannot be underestimated.
Contact us or call us today if you need help from a professional psychiatrist. We’re here to help you!