Psychiatrist or Psychologist?

Question

Who is better at diagnosis? Who knows more? Who cares more? Who would you rather talk to? Do you think that they should both work together to help people? Are psychiatrists payed to much compared to psychologists? Tell about your preferences.

Often I think people want to go to a psychiatrist more just because they can prescribe drugs. Drugs aren't always the answer and many people have greater problems when the drugs that they take are the wrong ones, because they never actually found out what was really wrong with them in the first place.

Answer 1

I am a psychologist who happens to meet with my personal psychiatrist, as well as working with other psychiatrists in hospitals and outpatient clinics. Psychiatrists earn their medical degrees and spend a considerable amount of time studying the psychophysiological aspects of human behavior and dysfunction. They do spend more years in training and studying, and they ultimately end up in settings where they diagnose a condition and prescribe a medication. Very few counsel or provide psychotherapy.

Psychologists have 4 years of undergraduate (generally) and 4 more years of education and training, via doctoral programs. Only psychologists (in most states) can legitimately use psychological tests to aid in diagnosis - they conduct a face to face interview and conduct testing, and by the combination of both they usually arrive at a farily accurate diagnosis. I don't know of any psychiatrsts who give people a battery of tests (several tests for which they have been trained).

I found that the two professions compliment each other well. Sometimes patients need both types of services - like psychiatrists for antidepressants and psychologists for counseling and testing (to rule out other types of possible disorders). The two disciplines often work well together as a therapeutic team. Of course, not everyone needs both. I wouldl see a psychologist if I need to talk to someone who can help me find solutions to my problems, but only if my emotional status was not so severe that I couldn't function.

Recently, psychologists have been licensed to prescribe medications in a handful of states. They do have to at least have 2 more years of training in psychopharmacology. More and more states are starting to license psychologists to treat with medications under a psychiatrist supervision. Seeing a psychologist will ultimately be less expensive and all encompassing at that point.

Answer 2

Both have training. A psychiatrist has medical training. Which can be good or bad.

For "someone to talk to," either will do. In fact, a licensed clinical social worker, a member of the clergy, and even some untrained others may do just fine.

For someone to dig into causes and use more complex analysis techniques, I think a psychologist is best, because that's their specialty and how they were trained.

A psychiatrist is able to do this, but is also trained in medicine. This allows a better analysis of organic problems and solutions. But, because the psychiatrist has a bigger "bag of tricks," they are less likely to be able to use any one in the same level of detail as a psychologist. And, as you said, the tendency (even if unintentional) is there to use medical means of solving problems, when a non-medical solution might have been more appropriate.

If you're depressed, I think a psychiatrist is a good idea because they CAN explore chemical issues. However, a psychiatrist that jumps to medication is doing a disservice.

If it's anxiety, a psychologist, I believe, can do a good job.

If it's marriage canceling, then clergy, LCSW, or other might be fine.

Answer 3

I have seen several of each Psychiatrist and Psychologists over the past 15 years. I find that Psychiatrists don't seem to counsel as much and most have referred me to a Psychologist if there is a need for actual counseling. Because Psychiatrist are mainly to prescribe meds they seem to have a little more knowledge. My experience is that it depends on the individual personality of the cares giver who has the most to offer.

Intelligence, compassion and knowledge are based on each individual. My advise, seek more than one care giver and don't be afraid to change doctors if your personalities don't coincide with each other.

As for taking medication, have a close friend or relative monitor your behavior when testing out a new medication. Don't be afraid to change meds if they seem to be adverse to your needs and with your physicians approval of course.

Answer 4

psychiatrist listens then tries to solve things with pills.
psychologist listens and tries to solve things by getting to the underlying problem.

i definitely prefer the psychologist because i don't believe that all problems can be solved by pills. Sometimes, drugs makes things worst. Getting to the bottom of things last much longer than any high. However, if the person has a chemical imbalance than they need medicine. So it just all depends on the person.

Answer 5

I believe who's better really depends on the individual, not the profession..It also depends on the treatment needed, because if you need medication to treat a problem then a Psychologist is not going to be very helpful...

They really are the same with the exception that psychiatrists have an MD..

Answer 6

They are disciplinarily prepared for different things.

A psychiatrist should be seen for pharmacotherapy (drugs).
A psychologist might be seen for psychotherapy (talk), as might a licensed professional counselor or a licensed clinical social worker.

I think the best combination is a social worker for talk-based psychotherapy in conjunction with a psychiatrist for pharmacotherapy/meds management, if your issue is a behavioral health problem that drugs and therapy can help with.

Answer 7

I work with BOTH a psychiatrist AND a psychologist. They are helping me.....they should work together. I'd advise never just see one or the other, but, find someone who works together as a team to help you!

Answer 8

Psychiatry is really for people who are psychotic - who are so confused they can't function or control themselves. It's about prescribing drugs that reduce or alter physiological brain function, to reduce symptoms of "bad" or dysfunctional behavior. It necessarily must be about controlling your behavior so that you fit in with a standard (although this is often desired by the patient, in psychiatry the patient gives up control). It's about modifying you so you'll fit the mold.

Psychology is for people who are neurotic - who have lost some function because they can't control their own emotional reactions and behaviors. There's a little overlap here, but in general, unless you can't find your way home and be nice to your friends, you should try psychology first. Psychology is about increasing your mental & emotional functionality by increasing your self-control, and thereby helping people overcome their symptoms.

So I'd definitely prefer a psychologist. I think they know a lot more - psychiatry STILL doesn't understand the so-called "chemical imbalances" it treats! - and care more about the patient's actual point of view, rather than about just "making" them "happy." I think psychiatric drugs can help people who are neurotic, too, but like you, I'm pretty horrified when people take them without also seeing a psychologist.

Answer 9

From experience, Psychiatrist don't listen they just write more and more perceptions every time you walk threw the door.

Answer 10

psychiatrist knows more he is a MD,not just about drugs they r having higher levels of education,,with all my respect to psychologists and indeed they should work hand in hand with each other.