Fourth Edition, September 2011

Psychiatric Nurse
A psychiatric nurse is a registered nurse who specialises 
in the nursing care and treatment of people with 
mental illness. Psychiatric nurses work in community 
mental health services and psychiatric inpatient servi-
ces. Their role includes: administration of medication, 
counselling, and long-term support, and may involve 
psychological therapies. 
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in the 
diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. All 
psychiatrists are trained in diagnostic evaluation and 
in psychotherapy. Some psychiatrists receive addi-
tional training to specialize in child and adolescent 
psychiatry.
Psychologist
A psychologist is a professional designation identify-
ing persons with advanced training in psychology. 
They may be clinical psychologists who work with 
patients in a variety of therapeutic contexts. They may 
also be scientists conducting psychological research 
or teaching psychology in a college or university. In 
Canada, they must be registered with their Provincial 
Psychological Association.
Psychomotor agitation
Excessive motor activity associated with a feeling of 
inner tension. When severe, agitation may involve 
shouting and loud complaining. The activity is usually 
nonproductive and repetitious, and consists of such 
behaviour as pacing, wringing of hands, and inability 
to sit still.

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3 . 1 1
Glossary of terms and abbreviations
Making a Diff erence: An Educators’ Guide to Child and Youth Mental Health Problems
www.cymhin.ca
Psychomotor retardation 
Visible generalized slowing of movements and speech.
Psychosocial Assessment
An assessment procedure that is used to identify a 
person’s abilities and diffi
culties in his/her personal, 
domestic and social functioning, and that assists in the 
development of his/her individual service plan.