I need to make an appointment with a doctor for depression & eating disorder. From which specialities (Psychiatry or Psychology) should I choose a doctor from? What is the difference?
2007-03-27 05:19:51 · 7 answers · asked by RetroBunny69 5 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Psychology! They do not prescribe meds, just work to change bad patterns of thinking.
A psychiatrist would be more appropriate for someone "hearing voices" or other forms of mental problems. They usually prescribe meds.
A psychologist is a good first choice. If you end up needing a psychiatrist, you can get a referral.
2007-03-27 05:25:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Terrible advice...
You need to go a psychologist first. They will decide if you need to go see a psychiatrist. You generally need to get a reference from a psychologist before most psychiatrist will even see you. Psychiatrists, in cases of depression, also generally won't prescribe medicine unless the person is also seeing a psychologist. A psychiatrist is a specialist doctor, and they most often do not offer counseling services, they simply see you to determine if your depression is physical in nature, and if there is any medication which may address the neurological problem that may cause depression.
Psychiatrists won't see someone for an eating disorder, unless it is neurological in nature. And I am unaware of anything neurological that will cause an eating disorder. That is the purview of Psychologists.
In any case, you really don't have a choice, you need to go a psychologist first. And don't be afraid to shop around. Psychologists are just like any other group of people, some of them are awesome, a lot of them suck. If you think your psychologist is an idiot who isn't helping you, they probably are, go find someone who will. And, they will probably give you a free consult first, even if it is over the phone.
2007-03-27 06:10:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Psychologist talks to you. Psychiatrist prescribes drugs.
My personal feeling is, go to a psychologist or therapist. Let her assess you and she will recommend a psychiatrist if she thinks drugs will help.
A psychologist is NOT an MD and cannot prescribe. They're also usually cheaper, but not cheap.
2007-03-27 05:28:56 · answer #3 · answered by Meg W 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Psychiatrist is better.A psychiatrist is also a medical practitioner.He can prescribe drugs.Depression responds to drugs.It has its origin in the brain.
Psychology may be useful in some other areas like counselling,interpretation of dreams etc.
2007-03-27 05:27:43 · answer #4 · answered by Padmini Gopalan 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You would be better off with a psychiatrist because they can prescribe medications. A psychologist cannot write prescriptions and is not as expert at diagnosis.
2007-03-27 05:39:13 · answer #5 · answered by notyou311 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
One major difference is that a psychatrist can prescibe meds and the psychologist can not. good luck
2007-03-27 05:29:32 · answer #6 · answered by Mc Fly 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well you got to have thing first psychology then look for look for doctor..
2007-03-27 05:29:03 · answer #7 · answered by eviot44 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋