A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health. A psychiatrist understands both physical and mental health conditions, and they will consider the links between them.
Psychiatrists must train at medical school before training in psychiatry. A psychiatrist can diagnose and prescribe medication to treat a variety of complex mental illnesses, such as:
● schizophrenia
● depression
● borderline personality disorder
● bipolar disorder
How they differ from psychologists and therapists
Psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists are all healthcare professionals who help treat mental health conditions. The main difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist is medical training. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has additional training in psychiatry.
In most states in the United States and in India, only a psychiatrist can prescribe medication for mental health conditions. In some states, a psychologist may be able to prescribe certain medication after completing additional training.
Psychologists can use different types of psychotherapy to help treat mental health conditions. For example, a technique called cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help people change their thought patterns and behaviours to improve how they feel.
Other types of talk therapy include psychodynamic therapy. This therapy may require the client to discuss how their past experiences influence the present, which can lead to greater insight into their current symptoms or feelings.
A clinical psychologist is a type of psychotherapist who has received their doctorate in clinical psychology. If they have “Dr.” as their title and have a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. (rather than M.D.) After their name, this indicates that they do not have a qualification in medicine. Psychologists can conduct assessments, as well as psychotherapy.
Psychologists may see people for mental health conditions and symptoms such as:
● Behavioural issues
● Assessment of learning difficulties
● Depression
● Anxiety
Psychiatrists and psychologists often work alongside each other to treat mental health conditions. Both healthcare professionals may work in a mental health team at a hospital or community mental health clinic.
A psychiatrist may also make an initial diagnosis before referring a person for ongoing treatment with a psychologist or particular therapist.
Other types of psychotherapists, often called therapists, may also use psychotherapy to treat mental and emotional health conditions. These professionals can include, for example, licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), marriage and family therapists (MFTs), and licensed professional counsellors (LPCs). These psychotherapists are at the master’s level of education and require a particular license.
A psychotherapist psychotherapist may use a variety of techniques to treat people, or they might specialize in one particular area. For example, different types of therapy include:
● Couples and family therapy
● Animal-assisted therapy, in which animals, such as dogs and horses, assist treatment
● Creative arts therapy, which may use art, dance, drama, or music
● Play therapy, which can encourage children to talk and express themselves through pretend play
What conditions do they treat?
A psychiatrist treats mental health conditions, which can include:
● Schizophrenia
● Depression
● Bipolar disorder
● Eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia
● Hallucinations
● Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
● Insomnia and sleeping problems
● Addiction, including to gambling, drugs, alcohol, and certain behaviours
● Suicidal thoughts
● Self-harm
● Obsessional thoughts
● Violent outbursts
● Thoughts of hurting others
● Feeling constantly on edge, agitated, or unable to relax
● Negative thinking
● Inability to concentrate
● Hyperactivity
● Body image issues
● Delusional thinking
● Severe stress, worry, or anxiety
● Memory problems
● Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Types of psychiatrists
A psychiatrist may have a particular area of expertise. Subcategories of psychiatry include:
● Child and adolescent psychiatry
● Young adult psychiatry
● Perinatal psychiatry, which focuses on issues that arise during pregnancy and the first antenatal year
● Geriatric psychiatry, focusing only on older adults
● Addiction psychiatry
● Forensic psychiatry, which addresses mental health within the legal system and works with people on trial and those with a criminal record
These are some of the things which the psychiatrist does despite doing many more things, it's not easy being a doctor, it's never easy. The amount of hard work, patience, resilience goes into being a doctor is phenomenal. So, it's always nice to show some gratitude towards our unsung heroes.
The unsung hero, a psychiatrist, who helps restore mental peace and balance. If you're facing stress, anxiety, or emotional challenges, early support can make a huge difference. Schedule your appointment now at www.kasperclinic.com or call 7411722580.
