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Writer's pictureAsma Kamal

Should you go to a psychiatrist or a psychologist?

Updated: Jul 18


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We hope neither.


Psychology and psychiatry are the main flag bearers of mental health. During a rough patch though, your mind has an added burden of which one to rely on between the two and you eventually cancel on getting any help at all. In this blog, we’ll make your choice of psychiatrist or a psychologist easy!

Psychiatry

Psychiatrists specialize in studying the brain and its intricacies.

They have postgraduate degrees in psychiatry and have the credentials to prescribe drugs.


Consider the human brain as a computer. If something doesn't look quite right, similar to a computer virus, a psychiatrist can prescribe medication to help you with that.


They emphasize the scientific underpinnings of mental wellness and mostly handle illnesses that may have a physical component, such as chemical imbalances in the brain.


Here are a few characteristics that define their capabilities.


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  • Medical Background

MBBS followed by MD Psychiatry are the minimum qualifications required to become a psychiatrist. Some passionate ‘doctors of the mind’ may even pursue neuropsychiatry after their masters. This sums up to about 10-12 years of education, Phew!

  • Prescribing Medications:

Well, that’s what doctors study for.

  • Biological Approach:

Psychiatry's primary focus is biological. It targets conditions like neurotransmitter imbalances or genetics that may have physical aspects that impact mental health.

  • Strengths

Integration of psychological and medical perspectives of mental health.

Ideal for people with serious mental illnesses or those who might benefit from medication-assisted therapies.

  • Considerations

Have shorter appointments than therapy meetings but monitoring medications may necessitate frequent check-ins.

Psychology


Psychologists, on the other hand, are like detectives for the mind. Holding a bachelor's or master's degree in psychology, they have studied human behavior and the functioning of the mind.


They investigate your thought process and find explanations as to why you feel the way you do. Think of a psychologist as a mental maze guide who aids in your exploration and understanding of your mind.


Instead of prescribing medicines, they help you understand and direct your thoughts and emotions through effective communication. Their key features are;


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  • Behavioral and Emotional Analysis:

Through observation and analysis, they help you comprehend the root causes of why you're feeling blue.

  • Therapy and Counseling:

They strategize and give you a structured approach to navigating your mental health.

  • Focus on Cognitive and Emotional Processes:

Psychologists, equipped with an understanding of the correlation between emotions and human behavior, assist people in devising coping mechanisms that will help improve their overall lifestyle and well-being.

  • Strengths

Perfect for people who would rather explore the underlying causes of their problems or who favor non-pharmaceutical methods.

  • Considerations

Psychological treatment requires the patient to actively participate to get to the end goal, which may take some time.


The choice between the two?


Well, that depends on you!


  • To each their own

Psychology might be a better fit for you if you would rather concentrate on behavioral patterns, explore emotions, and talk through your problems.

Whereas if you think your mental health issues are caused by biological factors and you need medication, psychiatry is more reliable.


  • The seriousness of the condition

Psychiatry may be crucial for severe disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder because of its ability to prescribe medicines.


Psychology might be adequate for worries that are mild to moderate or for a wish to explore oneself introspectively


  • Convenience and preference

Take into account how comfortable you are taking medication, whether you're willing to participate in talk therapy, and what kind of treatment methods you generally favor.


  • Collaboration for a solution

People often benefit from using psychological counseling along with psychiatric medication.

Together, psychologists and psychiatrists develop comprehensive therapy programs that are customized for each patient.


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Should you go to a psychiatrist or a psychologist? Conclusion!

It's essential to understand that both are diverse branches of science that serve complementary roles in the field of mental health and neither one is "better" than the other.


All in all, the best option will be determined by personal preferences, circumstances, and the particulars of the mental health issues.


A mental health professional's advice can help direct decision-making and customize the strategy to meet the needs of each individual.



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