Mental illness is extremely common - far more prevalent than
most people realise. Research suggests that 1 person in 4 will
experience some kind of mental health problem in the course of a
year1. This kind of illness therefore ranks alongside
cardiovascular disorders and cancer as one of the nation's biggest
health problems. Mental health problems can take many forms
including depression, schizophrenia, eating disorders, anxieties,
phobias, drug and alcohol abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder,
and dementia.
Many of us may already have experience of mental health
problems; we may have a relative, friend or partner suffering from
depression, or who has had to deal with the effects of bereavement,
marital difficulties, misuse of drugs or alcohol, or take
responsibility for old people suffering from memory loss, or
children with painful emotional problems. These are issues which
could affect any one of us.
1. The Mental Health Foundation - data derived from
Goldberg, D. and Huxley, P. 'Mental illness in the Community.'
1980. Also Goldberg, D. 'Filters to care', in 'Indicators for
Mental Health in the population.', Jenkins, R. and Griffiths, S,
(ed.) The Stationary Office 1991
Why should I train to be a psychiatrist?
Doctors interested in treating psychiatric disorder are
attracted to the profession for a number of reasons:
- It is innovative, exciting and rewarding
- UK training schemes for would-be psychiatrists are some of the
most high-quality and well-structured on offer
- Working conditions are flexible, with many opportunities for
part-time working, making it attractive to women and doctors with
families
Many of us already have experience of mental health
problems
Career prospects are excellent with a good choice of
consultant posts on offer. There is enormous variety within
psychiatry. You could be treating people suffering from numerous
mental health problems including:
- schizophrenia
- mania
- depression
- learning disabilities
- alcoholism or drug addiction
- eating disorders
- phobias, such as fear of heights or open spaces
- post-traumatic stress disorder
- anxiety
- personality disorders
or helping patients to cope with:
- marital or family problems
- bereavement
- memory impairment
- Alzheimer's Disease
- the mental health problems of children and teenagers
- criminal proceedings and Court appearances
If you are someone with good 'people' skills and would like to
develop these further helping a wide variety of people with their
problems and concerns, psychiatry offers a challenging and
stimulating career.
Psychiatry offers the opportunity to work closely in a
multi-disciplinary team with a variety of other healthcare
professionals such as community psychiatric nurses, social workers,
psychologists, psychotherapists and occupational therapists.
You can work in a range of different settings, including
hospitals, the community, schools, special units, residential homes
and even prisons.
How to become a psychiatrist
-
Medical degree (usually 5
years): All psychiatrists are qualified doctors, so first
you must gain a place at a medical school. Medical school
provides students with exposure to the different specialities
within medicine. You will find general information and advice on
becoming a doctor, as well as a list of medical schools, on the
British
Medical Association website.
-
Foundation training (2
years): After medical school you will spend 2 years
working in a hospital as ‘foundation programme trainee.’ This will
extend the knowledge and skills you have gained as a medical
student.
-
Specialty training (usually 6
years): On completion of your foundation programme you
will undertake six years of speciality training; three year
core training programme (CT1-CT3) and three years in a
higher training programme.
Is Psychiatry right for me?
Have a go at our ‘Try
being a Psychiatrist’ quiz!
Alternative Careers
If you would prefer to get information on
other careers in professions related to mental health, that do not
involve having a medical degree (such as psychology and
counselling), please visit the following: