A psychiatrist is a doctor who specializes in mental health, including substance use disorders. Psychiatrists are qualified to assess the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems. People seek psychiatric help for several reasons. Problems can be sudden, such as a panic attack, frightening hallucinations, suicidal thoughts or hearing "voices". Or they can be long-term, like feelings of sadness, hopelessness or anxiety that never seem to go away or problems with functioning, making everyday life seem distorted or out of control.