Contents:
- Medical Video: PSYCHIATRIST First Appointment... WHAT HAPPENS? - mental health with Kati Morton
- Psychologists and psychiatrists have different duties
- So, is it better to consult a psychologist or psychiatrist?
Medical Video: PSYCHIATRIST First Appointment... WHAT HAPPENS? - mental health with Kati Morton
The World Health Organization (WHO) report in 2017 states that there are more than 300 million people in the world who are depressed, and 260 million suffer from anxiety disorders. Reported by Tempo, the Association of Indonesian Mental Health Specialists (PDSKJI) said that of the 250 million total population of Indonesia, 9 million had depression, 14 million had symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders, and around 400 thousand had schizophrenia. Figures in the field may be even more because not everyone is aware that they have a mental health disorder.
So if you start to suspect symptoms of depression or other mental illness appearing on yourself, should you consult a psychologist or psychiatrist?
Psychologists and psychiatrists have different duties
Psychologists and psychiatrists are both mental health specialists, so you can both go to consult about mental disorders - including finding out the causes, symptoms, and how to treat them.
The difference is, a psychologist is not a medical doctor. Psychologists are mental health experts who graduate from undergraduate or postgraduate programs in Psychology. Meanwhile, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has a medical degree who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness with at least 10 years of training experience, or often more.
Psychologists and psychiatrists can provide a diagnosis of a disease or disorder. According to C. Vaile Wright, PhD, director of the American Psychological Association, psychologists diagnose the problems experienced by patients through personality, behavior, behavior and habits (such as diet and sleep habits), ways of speaking, and through stories that you devote. While psychiatrists diagnose patients through physical medicine, including the workings of the brain and nerves of humans.
Because psychologists are not doctors, psychologists cannot prescribe drugs. The treatment services provided by psychologists are only about psychological consultation and psychotherapy that focuses on the relationship between the root of the problem, your mindset, and your behavior. You and your therapist can set a very specific goal to be achieved after therapy is complete. Psychiatrists can open psychological therapy sessions as well as prescribe medication, including general check-ups such as physical examinations and laboratory tests.
So, is it better to consult a psychologist or psychiatrist?
If you suspect a mental health problem, whether because of depression or anxiety, you should consult a general practitioner first. The general practitioner can provide an initial diagnosis regarding the condition that might be suspected and then can refer you to a specialist to ascertain what mental health problems you are facing.
Psychology is more likely to deal with patients with conditions that can still be assisted effectively with psychological treatment alone. For example, a psychologist will listen to your story first, diagnose, and make a plan that you must apply daily to the problem. This can include behavioral problems such as addiction, emotional disturbances, phobias, learning difficulties, depression, and anxiety disorders.
While psychiatrists tend to treat people who need therapy and treatment after considering their medical, psychological, and social needs. They are usually people with more complicated psychiatric conditions, such as major depression or major depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. A person who has thoughts or attempts at suicide is also usually referred to a psychiatrist.
Psychiatrists can also work with other specialists to deal with your problem. For example, if your mental problem causes you to become malnourished, you will immediately be referred by your psychiatrist to consult a nutritionist.
Dr. Wright said, the decision to go to a psychologist and psychiatrist must be based on the problems you face. If you are not sure whether you should see a psychologist or psychiatrist, consult a general practitioner. They can advise whether a psychologist or psychiatrist is right for you. This will depend a lot on your specific situation and the type of treatment you might need. Some people may have to meet a psychologist and psychiatrist at the same time.
