Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists diagnose, assess, treat and prevent human mental, emotional and behavioural disorders. Psychiatric Registrars training as Psychiatrists are included in this unit group.

**Indicative skill level:**

#### In Australia and New Zealand:

Occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification, two years hospital-based training, and at least five years specialist study and training (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Registration or licensing is required.

**Tasks include:**

- assessing patients' mental and physical status to determine the nature and extent of mental, emotional and behavioural disorders - assessing patients' medical, psychiatric and psychological histories - examining patients to determine general physical condition - ordering laboratory tests, imaging, neuropsychological tests and other diagnostic procedures - examining the results of tests and examinations to determine the most appropriate forms of treatment - prescribing and administering medication, psychotherapy, and other physical treatments and rehabilitation programs - arranging admission to hospitals and providing in-patient treatment - consulting, supervising and working with other Medical Practitioners and Health Professionals - determining whether patients require involuntary treatment in accordance with relevant mental health acts - assisting courts and other statutory bodies in managing patients in legal and forensic settings - teaching medical students and registrars, and assessing their progress by administering tests