Can someone please explain the differences between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Question

Please elaborate on your explanation.

Thanks!

Answer 1

A psychiatrist prescribes medication and doesnt talk much to you. A psychologist actually sits down and really talks to you without prescribing medication. Its usually best for people to see both depending on the situation.

Answer 2

Psychologists either hold Psy.D's (doctorate of psychology) or Ph.D's (doctor of philosophy), while psychiatrists have MD's as other people mentioned. Psychiatrists go to medical school, while psychologists spend 5-7 years in graduate school.

Psychologists test for mental illnesses, diagnose, asses, counsel and make referrals. Psychiatrists handle what medication will work with you and your illness, and may only spend 10-15 min. talking to you.

Answer 3

A psychologist is a professional who either has a PhD. or are licensed mental health care providers. They help you talk about your problems/issues, ask questions so that you have to think about the answer, which may help you realize something or brings it to your attention. The first few or so times that you meet with a therapist, alot of questions are asked about your childhood, your family, your job, etc. so that they can get to know you and , in turn, you can get in touch with your feelings, thoughts, behavior etc. They are your listening board, they offer feedback, they help to guide you through your problems/issues. During a therapy session, you are able to vent your feelings,frustrations and, of course, any positive progress that you have achieved. A Psychiatrist is a Medical Doctor. They are knowledgeable in the area of psychology as well as treatment for mental illness IE: medications that would be best for a person to take to relieve/ reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, OCD, AHDD, to just name several disorders. They will explain to you as to how the medication works, give directions as to how to take the medicine etc. But, they will also ask how are things going, any new issues/problems. They need to be aware if there is progress or reduction in your symptoms or any new symptoms that you may have developed between appointments. Both of this professionals are quite helpful in guiding people through difficult times. I hope that this helps.

Answer 4

The simplest way to describe the difference between them is that a psychologist primarily aids the depressed patient by counseling and psychotherapy. A psychiatrist may also perform psychotherapy; but, in addition, can prescribe medications and perform ECT (electroconvulsive therapy). A psychiatrist is a medical doctor. A psychologist may hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) and be called "doctor"; but, is not a medical doctor (M.D.).

Answer 5

psychiatry is the practice of the theories of psychology.