Contents:
- Medical Video: Psychiatrist vs Psychologist! What is the difference?
- What's the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
- Education
- Practice and treatment
- Condition treated
Medical Video: Psychiatrist vs Psychologist! What is the difference?
If it involves physical complaints, such as coughing cold or chest pain, chances are that you already know which doctor you are headed for. Then, what about mental health problems, such as depression or personality disorders? Although mental illness tends to be "invisible", you still have to seek help. However, do you know who the doctor is to meet? A psychologist or psychiatrist?
If you are not sure about the difference between the two, you are not alone. Many people mistakenly distinguish psychologists from psychiatrists. Both psychologists and psychiatrists are both trained to help people who have mental health problems, but there are also important differences.
What's the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
Psychologists and psychiatrists both understand the workings of the brain, emotions, feelings, and thoughts. Both can treat mental illness with therapy. However, psychiatrists study in medical school and get a medical doctor's degree before taking a mental health specialist. Therefore, they understand the link between mental and physical problems. Psychiatrists can also prescribe medication.
There are three main differences between psychologists and psychiatrists:
Education
Education that psychologists must undergo
Psychologists undergo at least 6 years of university training and experience under supervision. They can also have a Masters or Ph.D. in psychology. If they have a Ph.D. diploma, a psychologist can be called 'Dr.' but they are not medical doctors. Clinical psychologists undergo special training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.
The education that a psychiatrist must undergo
Psychiatrists are medical doctors with at least 10 years of training, or often more. They are required to undergo medical education at the university. Afterwards, they spend at least 1 or 2 years in training as a general practitioner, then complete at least 5 years of training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.
Practice and treatment
What does a psychologist do?
The main focus of psychologists is to provide psychological treatment. This often begins with an assessment process, in which psychologists form an understanding of one's concerns. After that is the treatment phase, where specific techniques, strategies and exercises are developed and practiced.
What does a psychiatrist do?
Meanwhile, psychiatrists can provide a variety of treatments, according to patient-specific problems and the most appropriate solutions. This can include:
- drugs
- general medical check-ups, including physical examinations and laboratory tests
- psychological treatment
- brain stimulation therapy, for example electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Condition treated
Problems handled by psychologists
Psychology is more likely to treat patients with conditions that can be helped effectively with psychological treatment. This can include behavioral problems, emotional disorders, learning difficulties, depression and anxiety.
Problems handled by psychiatrists
Psychiatrists tend to treat people who need treatment that consider their medical, psychological, and social needs. They are usually people with complicated conditions, such as major depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. A person who has a thought or attempt to commit suicide will usually meet a psychiatrist.
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.
