in a nutshell, what's the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

Answer 1

A psychiarist is a medical doctor and can prescribe medication.
A psychologist is not a medical doctor and cannot prescribe drugs. They have taken and gotten a degree in psychology, not gone to medical school.
The psychiartrist has gone through med school, residency and all that and then specialized in their field.

Answer 2

In a nutshell, a medical degree. A Psychologist does not have one, and a Psychiatrist does. A clinical psychologist can perform a similar job to a psychiatrist, but with fewer responsibilities and abilities. They would refer a patient to a psychiatrist if it was believed to be necessary.

The term "Psychologist" covers a wide spectrum, with clinical psychologists nearest psychiatrists, and occupational and anomalistic psychologists arguably the furthest away.

Answer 3

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the mind-brain connection. They can prescribe drugs, but in 2002 psychologists gained prescription privileges in New Mexico if they take the proper courses (this new privilege is supposedly because many high-paid psychiatrists are unwilling to work in rural areas).

The major difference therefore, is in our academic training. I am a psychologist, and I don't "treat" anyone at all. That is, many psychologists conduct basic research on why people do what they do. The areas of social psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, etc. do not involve psychoanalysis or counseling.

Answer 4

Psychiatrist deals with the human brain, and more personal problems on an individual difference, to be a psychiatrist you need a psychology degree though,
Psychologists study the human brain and behaviours on a wider scale. Such a Zimbardo who dealt with how peoples behaviour react in different social situations.
Frued although is called a psychologist he actually got all of his theorys from is psychiatrist work, with middle aged women in venice. (hence his studies are V biased!)
Hope that helps!

Answer 5

A psychiatrists believes medications can cure the problem. A psychologist believes in getting to the root of the problem and through counseling fixing the problem on only sending patients to the psychiatrist if medications are needed and believes both are still necessary. :-)
Have a good one

Answer 6

A psychologist studies the mind. A psychiatrist treats the mind. So all psychiatrists are psychologists, but not all psychologists are psychiatrists.

Answer 7

Psychiatrists have a medical background, Psychologists dont.

Here Psychologists dont give out drugs to help people either.. Not sure if its the case elsewhere.

Answer 8

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who chose to specialize in the field of psychiatry. They may or may not hold undergraduate or graduate degrees in psychology. Psychiatrists offer treatment via therapy and drug prescription.

Psychologists on the other hand are usually academicians, clinicians, researchers, or practitioners in any of the many fields of psychology. Psychologists have either a M.A. degree or a PhD or PsyD degree. Psychologists can also perform psychological treatment via therapy but most psychologists are academicians and researchers based in universities.

Answer 9

My understanding is that a Psychiatrist studies and treats mental illness, whereas a Psychologist studies the science of the nature, functions and phenomena of the human mind, but doesn't offer treatment. So, one is like a doctor and the other like a scientist.

Answer 10

Practically speaking, a psychologist deals with the psychological (read: cognitive, thinking etc) stuff. Psychiatrists are more likely to push, monitor, or adjust medications. If you were looking for psychological help, it would be more logical to start with a psychologist.



These are descriptions assuming that both PRACTICE. From a research angle, there's presumably TONS of overlap (needless to say).

Answer 11

A psychiatrist is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders. A psychologist deals with human behaviour. If I feel someone has a mental disorder I cannot deal with it and refer person to a psychiatrist.