Related to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illnesses and emotional disorders.
From psychiatry, which comes from Greek *psyche* meaning 'mind' or 'soul' and *iatreia* meaning 'healing' or 'medical treatment'. The word literally suggests 'healing of the mind'.
The 'psy' in *psychiatric* hides the idea of the mind, and the 'iatr' hides the idea of healing. Once you spot these pieces, words like *pediatric* (child‑healing doctor) and *geriatrics* (old‑age healing) suddenly make more sense.
Psychiatric diagnoses and institutions have historically been used disproportionately to pathologize women’s emotions and dissent (e.g., “hysteria”) and to control marginalized groups. Gendered bias has influenced who is labeled mentally ill and how symptoms are interpreted.
Use 'psychiatric' descriptively, not as an insult, and avoid gendered stereotypes about mental illness or who 'needs' psychiatric care. Emphasize person-first language (e.g., “person with a psychiatric condition” rather than defining someone solely by diagnosis).
["mental health–related","clinical (mental health)"]
Women and gender-diverse people have been central in reforming psychiatric practice, advocating for patient rights, and challenging sexist diagnostic categories.
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