Do you believe that psychiatry has a good future as a profession?
my dad is in psychiatry right now. He (and his co-workers) are a very lucrative practice now all makin bank, and really lovin the job, but they have all warned me against going into this field of medicine because of an uncertain future. More and more states are allowing psychologists to prescribe various medications, which aside from potentially being dangerous, takes away from the autonomy of the field. He has some concern that psychology will "overtake or become equal to" psychiatry (much like the battle between anesthesiologists and militant crna’s).
Moreover, some residents now have talked about how "transcranial magnetic stimulation" (TMS) could potentially proof to be highly useful and reduce the need for psychiatrists.
Other concerns that are hurting the industry is every 10 years, people look back on what the industry has done wrong (E.g. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and the APA’s former diagnosis of homosexuality as a mental disorder) and this can demonize psychiatry. I can see a few potential issues now that I’m not happy with such as the overmedication of children. You also have all the nut-jobs like Tom Cruise and scientology trashing the field, which although most people don’t listen too, some of mainstream America seems to be of the opinion that "pills" are never the answer and becoming anti-psychiatry.
I know there are some psychiatrists who post on here, so if you guys could give me your $.02 that would be great.
Posted in psychiatry jobs
content rss
August 31st, 2009 at 5:54 am
No.
"Transcranial magnetic stimulation" appears to be another form of shock treatment.
"Cutting edge" psychological treatment will in all likelihood be recognized as more effective. SSRI’s can function as a temporary solution as an anti psychotic drug once.
August 31st, 2009 at 5:54 am
I am not a professional, but have had experience with a number of them.
The field might be uncertain, and dwindling, but I feel that they will be needed for a long time.
More and more people are in need of qualified help for mental health illnesses, and the research side is still very active.
August 31st, 2009 at 5:54 am
I personally feels that this field is rather "non scientific". In the sense that no concrete pathology can be isolated.
Neither is there any formula of treatment.
Let says, someone with depression, is there any concrete proof that psy drugs really can be of help? No!
There are a lot of controversy in this field.
You are right to say, the general foresight is similar to anaesthetist crna.
Look at what psychologist are doing? Sorry to say, I feel that psychiatrist are not doing much for the patients, compared to psychologist.
Let’s interview a patient, who consult psychologist and psychiatrist. Ask the patient, whom can he benefit more from?
Even among the MBBS holders, there are a lot controversy and views of psychiatrist.
Unless one can find concrete proof to psychiatric treatment, and that psychiatry holds a scientifically strong basis (research-based), it’s difficult to gain recognition, not even from fellow docs!
Therefore, personally, i’m not optimistic for a ‘good future’ in this field.