psychiatry

[si-kahy-uh-tree, sahy-]

noun

1. the practice or science of diagnosing and treating mental disorders.

psychiatry

/ saɪˈkaɪətrɪ /

noun

1. the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness

psychiatry

1. The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders.

psychiatry

1. The medical science that studies and treats mental illness and mental maladjustment. Psychiatrists treat mental disorders; psychologists study mental activities, whether healthy or disordered. In the United States, psychiatrists usually hold the degree of doctor of medicine (M.D.) and may prescribe medication for their patients.

Other Word Forms

• psychiatric adjective
• psychiatrical adjective
• psychiatrically adverb
• nonpsychiatric adjective
• psychiatrist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of psychiatry¹

First recorded in 1840–50; psych- + -iatry

Example Sentences

Dr. Steven Locke, a former Harvard Medical School psychiatry professor, wrote in an email that the question of whether psilocybin has any medical applications “remains controversial.”

From Los Angeles Times

"Oftentimes there is no information on what the risks are if you don't treat ADHD," said Prof Samuele Cortese, study author and professor of child and adolescent psychiatry at University of Southampton.

From BBC

Professor of addiction at the University of York Ian Hamilton says shopping addiction has "caught psychiatry on the back foot".

From BBC

"Since last year he has not delivered," says Dr Sharma, who is six years into his training in child and adolescent psychiatry, when asked why walkouts have returned.

From BBC

Andrew McIntosh, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Edinburgh and an NHS psychiatrist, hopes to set up a ketamine clinic at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital by the end of the year.

From BBC