Psychiatrists are medical specialists who diagnose, treat, and prescribe medicine for those suffering from mental illnesses. A psychiatrist is a doctor who specialises in psychiatry. To become a psychiatrist, you must first complete an MBBS, then an M.D. in Psychiatry. Therefore, 7.5 years of education are necessary i.e. 5.5 years of MBBS with 2 years of M.D.