Which physicians specialize in diagnosing and treating mental illness?

• A. Doctor of Medicine (MD)
• B. Psychiatrists
• C. Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
• D. Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)

Answer: (B)

Psychiatrists are physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental illness. After medical school, they complete a residency in psychiatry, which trains them to assess mental health symptoms, distinguish psychiatric conditions from medical problems, and develop comprehensive treatment plans. They can prescribe medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers, and they often provide psychotherapy or coordinate care with other mental health professionals. This focused training and scope of practice set psychiatrists apart as the specialists in mental health care. While MD and DO denote medical doctor degrees and chiropractors focus on musculoskeletal care, the professional whose primary role is diagnosing and treating mental illness is the psychiatrist.