Main Difference – Psychiatrist and Psychologist
Psychologist and Psychiatrist are two different health care personnels, often confused by many people since they both refer to similar careers which deal with the brain, human thoughts, and feelings. Although their main relationship with the patient is quite similar to that of each other, there are many major differences to be considered, especially when it is necessary to decide whom to consult, when a person is mentally ill. The main difference between psychiatrist and psychologist lies in their education and training; psychiatrists have a degree in medicine, and psychologists have a doctoral-level degree in psychology.
Who is a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical professionals who have a basic degree in medicine, followed by a specialized 4 – year residency in psychiatry which enriches the knowledge in diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems, emotional and behavioral issues. In addition, there are various sub-specialties in the field of psychiatry, including general psychiatry, psycho-analyst, child psychiatry and criminal psychiatry, if one wants to study further. Moreover, the main duty of the psychiatrists is based on the identification of the particular disorder a patient is suspected to have, rather than treating its negative impact on overall attitudes, thoughts and emotions.
Psychiatrists are also legally eligible to write prescriptions and prescribe medication for their patients, according to the individual health needs. They often work hand in hand with psychologists in the treatment of certain patients especially when it comes to aspects such as counseling and mental health therapy.
Who is a Psychologist
A psychologist is a healthcare professional, who has completed a bachelor degree, followed by extensive training in psychology, with PhD or PsyD doctoral degree which might take around five to six years. This field of study deals especially with the human mind, behavior and thoughts. Even though they are rich in their knowledge about various psychological illnesses, analytical testing, methods of diagnosis and treatment, they are not legally eligible to prescribe drugs for patients, unlike psychiatrists. Their main motive is to support people by providing psychotherapy including, effective management of emotions, positive responses to negative life events and development of insight. Psychologists also coordinate with other medical specialties depending on the situation of patients.
In addition to that, psychologists are the only people who are extensively and specifically trained in the development and carrying out research studies and administration of various improvised psychological tests used to assess the level of intelligence, personality traits, emotional or behavioral disorders and damages to cranial nerves and brain.
However, as far as the annual income of these two careers is considered, psychiatrist are known to earn a lot more than psychologists because of their degree in medicine. But, that may also vary depending on the modality of treatment offered in each entity. Sometimes, various behavioral therapies carried out by a psychologist on a certain patient may cost a lot than that of the pharmacological interventions (drugs) prescribed by the psychiatrist on the same patient.
Difference Between Psychiatrist and Psychologist
Education and Training
Psychiatrists: Psychiatrists are medical professionals who have a basic degree in medicine, followed by a specialized 4 – year residency in psychiatry.
Psychologists: Psychologists are healthcare professionals, who have completed a bachelor degree, followed by extensive training in psychology, with PhD or PsyD doctoral degree which might take around five to six years.
Main Role
Psychiatrists: The main duty of a psychiatrist is identifying the particular disorder.
Psychologists: The main duty of a psychologist is supporting people by providing psychotherapy.
Prescription of Medicine
Psychiatrists: Psychiatrists are entitled to prescribe medicine.
Psychologists: Most psychologists cannot prescribe medicine.
Place of Work
Psychiatrists: Psychiatrists work within hospital premises.
Psychologists: Psychologists do not necessarily work within a hospital.
Salary
Psychiatrists: Psychiatrists are known to earn more than psychologists.
Psychologists: Psychologists are known to earn less than psychologists. However, the pay may vary depending on the modality of treatment offered in each entity.
Image Courtesy: Pixbay
