PSYCHOLOGIST OR PSYCHIATRIST: DIFFERENCES

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In today’s modern era with continuous work for 24 hours and other issues, everyone needs mental assistance/help at some point in time in their life, thinking about mental help the first thing that comes to our mind is consulting a psychiatrist or a psychologist. But the question is the difference between these two. We as common people generally understand bot as same but there are certain differences between the two and this article we shall explore all the possible differences.

WHO IS A PSYCHIATRIST?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (an M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in mental health, including substance use disorders. Psychiatrists are qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems). After they graduate with either of the degrees, they write an exam to gain a license to practice their field in a chosen state. They are then required to continue their practice for a minimum of 4 years under the supervision of a senior doctor.

PSYCHOLOGIST

PSYCHIATRIST’S APPROACH OF TREATMENT

Psychiatrists use a variety of treatments – including various forms of psychotherapy, medications, psychosocial interventions, and other treatments (such as electroconvulsive therapy or ECT), depending on the needs of each patient.  The goal of psychotherapy is to eliminate or control troubling symptoms so the patient can function better. Depending on the extent of the problem, treatment may take just a few sessions over a week or may take many sessions over a period of years.

 

Being certified medical professionals, psychiatrists are authorized to diagnose and prescribe medication for the same. This is the reason most psychiatrists work at a major hospitals, rehabilitation centers, medical universities, nursing homes, or practicing in private institutions. 

WHO IS A PSYCHOLOGIST?

A psychologist is a person who studies normal and abnormal mental state, emotional and social behavior by experimenting with, and observing how one reacts to things around him/her in their surroundings. Once they’ve earned a degree, psychologists complete another one to two years of training that involves working with people. Finally, they must take an exam to get licensed in their state. Psychologists have an advanced degree, such as a Ph.D. or PsyD. Most commonly, they use talk therapy to treat mental health conditions. They may also act as consultants along with other healthcare providers or study therapy for entire treatment programs.

PSYCHOLOGIST

PSYCHOLOGIST’S APPROACH OF TREATMENT

They recommend talking therapies and exercises that are best suited for mild mental conditions, and this is all done through careful observation and counseling with their patients. They are also found in similar places as psychiatrists but prefer setting up a private practice. But psychologists are not allowed to prescribe medicines; they can treat patients by the methods mentioned above, most likely therapy and by conducting sessions. Most of the psychologists are self-employed i.e. running their private clinics or consultation centers, other than that many clinical psychologists often work in hospitals and mental health clinics.

However, Psychologists are able to prescribe medications anywhere in the military and the Indian Health Service if they have credentialed in Louisiana or New Mexico. Psychologists can prescribe in five states; Louisiana, New Mexico, Illinois, Iowa, and Idaho.

SIMILARITY

There is one similarity between psychiatrists and psychologists; that is, both are experts in mental health and are allowed to conduct psychotherapy. Both are trained in the diagnosis, treatment, causes, and prevention of psychological disorders.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PSYCHIATRIST AND PYSCHOLOGISTS

They both use different approaches towards the treatment of their patients; a psychiatrist generally prescribes medication whereas a psychologist treats using talking therapy and interactive sessions.

Psychiatrist deals with mental disorder whereas it is just a branch for psychologists; psychology students have the option to choose among various branches such as clinical psychology, counseling psychology, child psychology, sports psychology, cognitive psychology and many more for graduation.

PSYCHOLOGIST

One of the major differences between the two is that a psychiatrist can prescribe medications but a psychologist cannot prescribe medicines.

There is a difference in educational qualification as well; Psychiatry requires a degree in Medicine. Psychology requires a UG & PG degree in Psychology.

Psychiatrists deal with complex psychological conditions; Psychologists deal more with behavioral and developmental issues.

WHOM TO CHOOSE?

Before you approach a psychiatrist or a psychologist, you must first consider the kind of mental health issues you are facing. If you undergoing lots of stress and shows signs of anxiety and depression, it is best to consult a psychologist. Psychologists will take them through mental therapy sessions to ease their troubled minds. 

Psychiatrists are best consulted when a person is undergoing severe cases of mental illness. This is evident through extreme fluctuations in mood, behavior, and an unusual pattern of disruptions in daily living due to mental health issues. The psychiatrist will be able to diagnose the issue and provide the best medications to help control their mental state.

CONCLUSION

In spite of sounding quite similar, psychologists and psychiatrists have various differences and I hope the article gives you a fair idea about both, their similarities and differences.

By: Nupur Bhagat

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