The Status of Experts in Psychiatry

Preview: Where should we look for an answer to the question whether a psychiatrist is an expert? In analyses of the concept of “expert”? In sociological studies? Or perhaps in opinions formulated by psychiatrists themselves? The subject is not as simple as it might first seem and the answer cannot be obvious. Certainly, psychiatrists are considered to be experts when they are called in by the court to act as expert witnesses. They are also deemed experts when they make a diagnosis, prescribe medication, or write out a sick note – similarly to other doctors. We typically trust that, just like other healthcare professionals, they will help us to recover or at least that they can alleviate our suffering.