Psychiatry is the medical specialty dedicated to the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders. It combines clinical observation with scientific research to address mental health issues. Psychiatry uniquely merges medical science with the “science of subjectivity,” emphasizing clinical experience, empirical developments, biological foundations, and rigorous methodologies.

The field focuses on treating emotional and relational disorders, helping individuals adapt to their environments and maintain independence. Psychiatry involves a wide range of interventions, from psychotherapy to somatic treatments like psychopharmacology and electroconvulsive therapy. It follows classifications such as the “Mental and Behavioural Disorders” section of the ICD-10 by the World Health Organization.