Psychiatrists
On the Job
Psychiatrists are doctors who diagnose, treat, and help prevent disorders of the mind. They may also prescribe drugs to improve mental health symptoms.
Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:
- Treat patients using psychological therapies.
- Collect medical information from patients, family members, or other medical professionals.
- Conduct research to increase knowledge about medical issues.
- Maintain medical or professional knowledge.
- Prepare official health documents or records.
- Prepare reports summarizing patient diagnostic or care activities.
- Present medical research reports.
- Record patient medical histories.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
- Explain medical procedures or test results to patients or family members.
Typical Working Conditions
- Working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions.
- Having face-to-face discussions.
- Freedom to make decisions without supervision.
- Working with a group or team.
- The freedom to determine tasks, priorities, and goals.
- Dealing with unpleasant or angry people.
- Sitting.
- Meeting strict deadlines.
- Exposure to disease or infections.
This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Source: You can learn about our data sources in the About Us section.
