Psychiatry is among the important branches of the medical profession, which deals with mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. Mental and psychosomatic problems also arise in various medical, surgical and gynecological cases. These problems are attended to by psychiatrists.

With the increasing mental tension and stress arising from modern lifestyles, the demand for psychiatrists is increasing. The taboo that previously existed around the profession is gradually vanishing and the dignity attached to a medical profession is being restored.

MAIN AREAS OF WORK

Psychiatry, as a discipline, can be applied to various kinds of problems pertaining to the mentally retarded, those with various kinds of fears and phobias, persons with drugs addiction and alcoholic problems, and even industrial workers suffering from emotional or behavioral problems.

IN THE GOVERNMENT SECTOR

Psychiatrists work in various medical hospitals and mental hospitals, owned and aided by the government. They can also work in drug de-addiction centers as counselors, and in other rehabilitation centers dealing with drug addiction, alcoholism, and mental problems.

IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR

Various psychiatrists set up their own private clinics, where they treat patients with mental and psychological problems. Many private nursing homes and polyclinics also employ psychiatrists to attend to the psychological problems arising from various medical, surgical, cardiac and gynecological cases. Psychiatrists also often work as part-time counselors in institutions, including schools, colleges, hospitals and health centers.

IN INDUSTRY

A large number of large-scale industries offer employment to psychiatrists for conducting counseling and therapy sessions for workers and dealing with their problems, including those of mental health, absenteeism, drug addiction and alcoholism.