psychiatry
UK: saɪˈkaɪətri | US: saɪˈkaɪətri
n. the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
The word "psychiatry" combines Greek psyche (ψυχή, meaning "mind" or "soul") and iatros (ἰατρός, meaning "healer" or "physician"). It emerged in the early 19th century to describe the medical treatment of mental illnesses, reflecting the era's shift toward viewing mental health as a field of scientific study. The morpheme -iatry is also seen in other medical terms like "pediatrics" (child medicine) and "geriatrics" (elderly medicine), emphasizing its role in specialized care.
She decided to pursue a career in psychiatry to help patients with anxiety disorders.
Modern psychiatry combines medication and therapy for holistic treatment.
The conference discussed advancements in forensic psychiatry.
His research revolutionized the field of biological psychiatry.
Critics argue that psychiatry over-relies on pharmaceutical interventions.