Many psychiatrists ignored biological influences, but some began using physical forms of treatment. In the mid 1950s the first effective drugs for the treatment of psychotic symptoms were developed, and later research led to discoveries of genetic and biochemical sources of mental illnesses. The emphasis had again shifted back to biological by the 1980s ("Psychiatry" 1). Psychiatry has undergone many changes as it has progressed in time. .
Psychiatry may seem like an interesting and simple occupation to pursue, but the profession requires many specific interests and abilities that are not found in everyone. First of all, there are many personal qualifications that an individual must meet in order to become successful in psychiatry. For example, students planning to become psychiatrists should have high academic abilities to keep up with the work given in the course. Along with that, they need emotional stability, patience and the ability to empathize with patients. Also needed is an inquiring and analytical mind, but also an awareness of their own biases and limitations to help them remain objective while dealing with patients and maintain an emotional distance from their patients. Psychiatrists must also be good listeners and be able to deal with hostility and defensive attitudes ("Psychiatrists," 1996 1). A psychiatrist must also take responsibility for directing, controlling, and planning, be able to make generalizations, evaluations, or decisions based on sensory or judgmental criteria, and must be able to deal with people beyond giving and receiving directions. There are also many educational interests which an individual must posses in order to excel in the field of psychiatry. Educational interests include: mathematics, English/ communications, biological sciences, physical sciences, social sciences, and languages ("Psychiatrist," Occu-Facts 1). A psychiatrist must also be well organized and timely, and also creative in finding solutions to problems.
