Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist - What are the differences?Subscribe

  Team Orom 2022-12-07 4 Min
               

Depression is the biggest monster in today's era. Depression and anxiety are the two major mental illnesses that lurk in your mind. They prey on you when you are at your lowest point in life. Fortunately, in today's time, everybody is quite vocal about everything, so people shouldn't feel humiliated about how they think. Back then, nobody knew what mental health was and why it was essential to shield it. A few decades ago, if people talked about depression or anxiety, they would be labeled crazy. For the old generation, even today, mental illness is associated with being a lunatic. This mindset needs to change. 

Mental illness can happen to anyone at any age. But there are more chances of people with low-stress coping mechanisms getting a mental illness. Mental illness aggravates some people because they believe that when something happens to you physically, you can cure it by applying medicines. But when you get mental wounds, how are you supposed to fix them? Well, in this world, every problem has a solution. 

Those with mental illness or signs of mental illness can consult a psychologist. You may have heard about psychologists and psychiatrists but needed help figuring out which to approach. Everybody must know the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist, not just those dealing with mental illness. Knowing the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist is vital because when somebody requires instant help, you must know which one to suggest. 

What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?

Psychology is the study of the mind, which entails two primary professions: Psychologists and Psychiatrists. 

1) A psychologist is a trained professional who has to obtain a bachelor's degree, master's degree and doctoral degree in Psychology. And Psychiatrists must earn an MBBS degree and enroll in the Psychiatry MD Programme.

2) One of the most significant differences between psychologists and psychiatrists is that a psychologist can help the patient with therapeutic procedures like REBT (Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy) and CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and a psychiatrist prescribes medicine to the mentally ill patient. 

3) Psychologists and psychiatrists use psychotherapy, but only psychiatrists can prescribe medication. 

4) Only some people should consult a psychiatrist. If there are any signs of mental illness, they are supposed to reach out to a psychologist first. Psychologists will perform therapies on you, and if the patient's condition is serious, they will suggest you consult a psychiatrist. 

5) Even though Psychologists and Psychiatrists are trained to identify and cure mental illness, they have to follow their professional ethics. For instance - psychologists deal with minor-level cases, and sychiatrists deal with complicated mental illness cases. That's why psychologists should not handle any matter that requires a psychiatrist's help, as the patient's situation can escalate quickly. 

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Mental Health

Anxiety