Psychologist vs Psychiatrist? Definitions, Roles and Differences
A large majority of people all over the world get confused when it comes to the difference between Psychologists and Psychiatrists. Thoughts get entangled between their jobs, roles, education, the way of treatment, and more. Let’s clear some of these confusions when it comes to Psychologist Vs Psychiatrist and who to choose.
Psychologist: Psychologist A Psychologist is also referred to as a Psychotherapist; he/she serves those people who are suffering from a variety of mental health issues. Meanwhile, a large majority of people who may not be faced with any mental health issue visit a psychologist to seek help in a difficult situation.
Psychiatrist:
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with having specialization in treating mental disorders. Psychiatrists are more attentive to the physiological aspects of any mental issue and normally use medications for treating patients.
Role of a Psychologist:
Normally a Psychologist has to deal with different and more conditions/issues as compared to a Psychiatrist. It is proved by the fact that in most of the mental problems a person is facing, he/she can be benefitted from psychotherapy. However, not everyone needs medical treatment. Mainly Psychologists provide therapy/ counseling to people who are suffering from the following conditions;
Stress Depression and Anxiety Workplace stress Postpartum Depression Trauma And PTSD All kinds of phobias Personality disorders Eating Disorders Addictions Sexual Issues Learning disability Grief And Loss Life Changes Relationship And Marriage Issues Child And Adolescent Issues Parenting Issues Women’s Issues
Role of a Psychiatrist:
Psychiatrists are mainly dependent on the medication process.
This means that people who are suffering from distinct medical issues that result in mental disorders should consult a psychiatrist.
Below are the main medical conditions that are treated by the psychiatrist without needing the help of a psychologist.
Schizophrenia and other Psychotic disorders
Personality disorders Mental illness Learning and other cognitive disabilities
Difference between psychologist and psychiatrist:
Psychologists mainly do specialization and clinical internships once they complete their degrees. On the other hand, Psychiatrists are medical doctors who complete specialization after finishing their medical college.
Psychiatrists mainly focus on diagnosing mental disorders and then treating them with medications. While Psychologists usually treat the patients through psychotherapy once they diagnose the illness.
Psychologists normally treat people who are going through moderate problems like mood and anxiety disorders. Psychiatrists mainly treat patients who have serious issues that include bipolar disorder and schizophrenia etc.
