Tartu psychiatrist: society mistakenly believes psychiatry is all-powerful

Andres Lehtmets, director of the University of Tartu Psychiatric Clinic, warns that society wrongly believes psychiatry can treat all violent individuals. He also highlights the problem of stigmatization surrounding addiction disorder in Estonia.

Andres Lehtmets, director of the University of Tartu Psychiatric Clinic, believes that the public places too great expectations on psychiatry. In his view, there is a widespread misconception that psychiatrists can treat all violent individuals – in reality, this field has far more limited influence than is often assumed.

Lehtmets noted in an interview with Eeter portal that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, has become something of a fashionable diagnosis – obtaining one is almost a matter of prestige. Meanwhile, addiction disorder remains heavily stigmatized in Estonia, despite being one of the greatest mental health challenges both in Estonia and globally.

The psychiatrist emphasized that societal pressure on medicine must not distort the picture of what treatment can actually achieve. Addressing mental health problems requires a comprehensive approach that does not consist solely of psychiatric treatment, but encompasses social support, prevention, and public awareness.

Lehtmets's message can be considered an important reminder to both policymakers and the public: mental health challenges require a holistic approach, not unrealistic expectations of a single medical specialty.