Psychiatry in 2001

In the year 2001, the status of psychiatry is viewed through the experiences and thoughts of a hypothetical psychiatrist and a hypothetical family physician. Psychiatry is continuing its explosive progress in brain physiology and psychopharmacology, but has backed away from studies and practice in the psychosocial field. As practice patterns change and more outpatient psychiatric care falls into the purview of the family physician, the two physicians see a need for ever more collaboration between their specialties. A greater commitment by family medicine to psychosocial training and research, especially in areas such as physician-patient and physician-family relationships, is urged.