What Are The Qualities Of A Good Psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists will approach treatment differently depending on the patient’s illnesses. However, there are some positive traits that psychiatrists should incorporate into their work.

A psychiatrist should be an unbiased healthcare provider who supports a person by helping them overcome their illness and lead a healthier and happier life. Some of the basic qualities of a good psychiatrist are:

• Empathy
• Non-judgemental 
• Good listener 
• Flexible and patient 
• Knowledgeable 
• Problem solving abilities 
• Communication skills 

Listening skills are the most important skill a psychiatrist should possess. Patients need to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, emotions and feelings. Being able to talk about your problems and feel like you’re not being judged is what makes a good psychiatrist reliable and efficient. 

Empathy is the ability to understand and feel what the other person is feeling. Showing empathy, actively listening and respecting the patient’s concerns can increase the effectiveness of treatment. Being flexible and adapting to the patient’s needs is the best way to build a good relationship with the patient. 

Knowledge of pharmacology and psychotherapy along with extensive medical and psychiatric experience is of utmost importance to treating patients.

A good psychiatrist should protect ethical principles and boundaries, ensuring doctor-patient confidentiality is maintained. They should maintain transparency by providing as much information about the diagnosis, symptoms and treatment plan.

They need to be patient and know how to deal with negative or hostile comments from the patient. A psychiatrist needs to listen, understand the symptoms and analyse the biological, social and psychological characteristics of the patient. Regularly recording the patient’s symptoms, severity of the disorders, and side effects of the medication can prove to be an added advantage during treatment. 

Communication is a key factor in helping a patient overcome their difficulties, especially those with communication difficulties. A psychiatrist should strive to be clear and effective in their communication, using a language that the patient is familiar with. Positive body language, for example a smile or greeting with a handshake, goes a long way in encouraging the patient’s development.

Medically reviewed by Dr Sunitha MBBS, DPM (NIMHANS), DNB

Dr Sunitha serves as the Chief Psychiatrist at Agan Health Trichy. She specialises in Adult Psychiatry, and her fields of interest include consultation liaison psychiatry and women's mental health. With over 15 years of experience in the field of mental healthcare, Dr Sunitha has been instrumental in positively transforming the lives of many in Tamil Nadu. She is also a consulting psychiatrist at some of the reputed mental health institutions in Tamil Nadu.