Psychiatry

is a  medical speciality devoted to the treatment,study and prevention of mental disorder. Psychiatric assessment typically involves a  mental status examination and the taking of a case history; and psychological tests may be conducted. Physical examinations may be carried out and on occasion neuroimages or other neurophysiological measurements taken. Diagnostic procedures vary. Official criteria are listed in manuals, the most widely available being the  ICD from the  World Health Organization and the DSM from the American Psychiatric Association.

Psychiatric medication is currently a central option, often in conjunction with one of the many varieties of  Psychotherapy. In extremis, currently less favored techniques such as  electroconvulsive therapy may be used. Treatment is available on an inpatient or outpatient basis. With the necessary legal sanction, this may be applied involuntarily. Research and the clinical application of psychiatry are conducted on an interdisciplinary basis involving various sub-specialties and theoretical approaches.