Mental health is not a taboo subject anymore. Yet there is still some resistance and hesitation shown by the general masses when it comes to such sensitive topics. We as a society lack empathy and kindness towards these matters and we can be quite the unwelcoming audience.
Thus it is not a hidden fact that people lack the basic understanding and knowledge regarding who they should reach out if they ever need help.
It can be quite a hectic task to find out the right and suitable medical healthcare provider for mental health status. These types of researches often culminate into two categories:
- Psychologists
- Psychiatrists
Oh, aren’t they the same?
Sorry to burst your bubble but they are as different as two sides of the same coin.
They both can understand and explain the brain process but the diagnostic measures are quite different. From contrasting educational capabilities to variable credentials, the psychologist and psychiatrist difference is quite apparent.
With this artice, today we have decided to provide answers to the age-old confusion about psychologists vs psychiatrists; what’s the difference?
Table of Contents
Psychologists; What do they really do?
The main task of psychologists is to provide people with a platform where they can be open about their everyday struggles and mental challenges. They observe the behavior, thought process and provide you with an assessment of how you are perceiving your environment.
They also do the following:
- Deep understanding of the fixed behavioral patterns and to make subsequent predictions
- Group therapy sessions so that the root cause of the problem can be identified
- Identification as well as analysis of any prevailing mental, behavioral and emotional disorders
- Development and execution of required treatment plan
- Collaboration with other medical healthcare workers whenever needed
Psychiatrists; What’s Their Role in the Story
The main difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist is that a psychiatrist is a medically certified doctor. On the severity scale from severe to chronic, they deal with all such matters. They won’t only evaluate but will also design and execute the treatment methods with suitable medications.
They also provide their services in the following matters:
- Urgent care in matters of emergency or sudden as well as severe mental illness
- Provide assistance regarding long-term mental conditions
- Collaborative efforts with other medical care providers
- Prescribe medications if necessary or inevitable
- Admit the patient to a hospital if it comes to this
The Key Differences Between Psychology and Psychiatry
There is a very profound background behind the confusion that people have between Psychology and Psychiatry.
What is Psychology?
Back in the 1800s psychology was not an independent branch of science and was considered in the same context as philosophy. But now with the more advanced knowledge and a deep understanding of the human mind, psychology has an identity of its own.
The main goal of this study is to shed light on the cognitive abilities of an individual and brain functions. Psychologists tend to use a variety of healing techniques so that the mental health of an individual can be saved and improved.
What is Psychiatry?
It is a branch of science that focuses on the diagnosis as well as treatment of the prevailing mental or brain disorders.
They use the methods of psychotherapy to provide a healing experience to the suffering patients. In psychiatry, a profound sense of understanding about the anatomy of the brain is also present.
Psychologist vs Psychiatrist; The Major Differences
Education
There is no shadow of a doubt that both psychologists and psychiatrists are well-educated individuals with certified degrees. But only a psychiatrist has a medical degree, a psychologist doesn’t.
Psychologists have a university degree of almost 6 years and have other supervising certificates as well. Most of the time psychologists also have a Ph.D. or PsyD degree. Those psychologists who have a Ph.D. degree can even call themselves doctors but they do not have a degree in medicine.
On the other end of the spectrum, we have psychiatrists who are medical healthcare professions with almost 11 years of training experience. Even after getting the degree, they spend almost one or two years specializing in being a physician. They also have a doctor in medicine or MD degree. Furthermore, they are also trained in regards to human anatomy and how to perform a physical examination.
Treatment
The mode of communication of both a psychiatrist and a psychologist is through clear communication. The manner in which they approach a situation as well as devise a treatment plan is what makes all the difference in the world. Their training and educational backgrounds are what provide them with a chance to assess the situation in a contrasting manner.
For psychologists, it is always how one is behaving and communicating in a session. In case a person is suffering from anxiety attacks, the psychologist will ask about the sleep schedule and patterns. They would also want you to be more verbal about the occurrence and frequency of these attacks. Depending upon what they have dug they will talk you through different scenarios. Thus talking it out is one of their primary armours.
The mode of diagnosis is also the same for a psychiatrist but they do have a strong grip on the way a human brain works. They also have a holistic grasp on neurochemistry and thus provide a more wide range of treatment methods. Such as:
- Medication
- Psychological treatment
- Brain stimulation therapies
- Generalized medical assistance
That is why they tend to have a birds’ eye view of the situation. They also make sure to assess the entire scenario in every possible way before assuming or diagnosing the worst possible outcome.
Conditions
Does this aspect also provide a very comprehensive answer to the age-old debate that what is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
Most of the time the conditions that do not require any medical assistance are attended by a psychologist. Some of these issues are:
- Cognitive-behavioral problems
- Sleep problems
- Learning difficulties
- Mild cases of depression
- Anxiety attacks
- Concentration problems
These conditions most of the time do not require heavy doses of medication and thus psychologists are the ones who mostly cater for these.
Psychiatrists tend to cater to a more serious range of diseases and disorders such as:
- Depression
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Suicidal thoughts
Appointments
In order to consult with a psychiatrist, you first need to get a referral from your primary healthcare provider. In the case of a psychologist, you do not have to go through the same channel.
Who Should You See; A Psychiatrist or a Psychologist
In case you want to improve your focus and enhance your quality of life then you might opt-out for a psychologist. They will provide a better assessment of your thoughts process and will help you with behavioral alignment.
In other instances, such as depression and severe anxiety attacks, your GP might ask you to visit a psychiatrist.
Whatever You Choose: Talk It Out
Mental health is no longer something that is whispered behind closed doors. Thus do not think for one moment that if you have a mental disorder you just have to keep it to yourself. The key to solving your problems is talking them through.
You do not have to fight with your demons alone. Make sure to reach out to one of our top psychologists for help.
