Psychologist &
Psychiatrist
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How do psychologists differ from
psychiatrists? |
Psychiatrists are physicians (M.D.’s) who have
completed at least four years of postgraduate
training. They treat mental disorders by mainly
prescribing drugs/medication, which has lot of
side-effects.
Psychologists work in some 40 different
specialties. Those who treat mental
disorders are called clinical psychologists or
psychotherapists. They have Ph.D.’s or the
equivalent and have more training in psychological
research and personality assessment than M.D.’s.
They are trained to help patients with various
therapies.
Psychological therapies or
psychotherapies are basically drug-free treatment
for mental disorders. They
include: talk therapy, counseling, supportive
therapy, cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy,
and so forth. The major benefits of
psychotherapies over drugs are: no side-effects,
cure from the root-cause, and hence, long-term
results.
A
good psychologist spends quality time with their
patients as compared to a psychiatrist. Moreover,
a really good psychologist gives more
personalized treatment with a homely
atmosphere.
Thus, a caring and
competent psychologist prevents or even
removes the stigma of the medical model and clinic
setting, offers true privacy and is more
effective. In addition, he would help his
patient/client with personal growth.
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