This week, we are going to talk about something new - let’s take a breath of fresh air. Worry not, you might think that you do not need this new knowledge, but we believe you will be glad that you have given this a read! Disclaimer: Be prepared to meet several unfamiliar terms used in this article. We tried to make them sound less heavy but in this field, it is just as natural as it is factual. Trust us, this will be a #TIL for you!
The health sector, being a wide one, consists of many types of vocations. Yes, this week, we are going to explore another field (instead of language and culture, of course). As an introduction to this new topic, let’s take a look at the general terms used in the medical field. To ensure that patients are treated as accurately as possible, the terms can be classified into different areas of specialisations. Each area plays a role in making the health sector run smoothly. For example, we have doctors, nurses and midwives. Medical officers usually have their own specialised field such as cardiology, neurology and orthopaedic. Those who major in such fields are called specialists. Meanwhile, cardiologists for example, are the experts in diagnosing and treating the cardiovascular system
Then, in the mental health sector specifically, we have psychiatrists and psychologists. These two are often confused as one another. If you already know the differences, then that is good for you but if you do not, we will help you alter the misconceptions you might have on these two professions. Psychologists and psychiatrists differ in three aspects which are their majors and purposes of degree, treatment methods and job scopes. Let’s dive right into it!
In terms of their majors and purposes of degrees, psychologists and psychiatrists are different. To qualify as a psychologist, one needs to have a bachelor’s degree majoring in psychology and pursue either a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) in counselling or clinical psychology (Cherry, 2019). They learn about the aspects of human and social psychology, personality, emotions and all of the things that affect our minds! In order to determine whether they have an in-depth understanding on how a human’s mind works or not, psychologists are required to finish a thesis or study in psychology to earn the title.
A psychiatrist, on the other hand, has to have a medical degree, M.D. and receive a four-year residency training in order to specialise in psychiatry (Ryback, 2016). Psychiatrists are trained to deal with psychiatric patients throughout their tough residency years, hence why the degree they earn qualifies them to treat psychological conditions with the proper procedures!
Secondly, psychologists and psychiatrists use different treatment methods for their patients. Psychologists usually handle their patients’ problems using the therapy method (Watson, 2019). For example, talk therapies are performed on patients in order to figure out the problem through their thinking pattern. This method is used to analyse and collect information regarding the patient’s behaviour, emotions and feelings.
Meanwhile, psychiatrists have more varied types of treatment for their patients. Physical lab tests are performed to check for any injuries that may be the cause for the psychological disorders. Psychology tests as well as genetics background checks are also run to understand how their mind works, and sometimes to evaluate the patient’s condition from their behaviour and words said. Though the two professions revolve around treating patients with mental conditions, their method of treatments differ from one another.
Last but not least, the job scopes of psychologists and psychiatrists are not similar. Let us differentiate them. According to Harari (2019), psychologists specialise in analysing mental disorders through non-pharmacological interventions as they usually base their conclusions from only the psychological aspect. Psychologists are not permitted to prescribe medications to their patients except under very few circumstances. To illustrate, in some US states, having the license to do so or being a psychologist in a military allows them to prescribe medications.
Psychiatrists, as medical doctors, generally would take a lot of aspects into consideration, such as physical injuries and family hereditary background, before diagnosing their patients with a certain illness. They are also eligible to prescribe appropriate medications to their patients according to their respected illnesses. Here is where it differs, psychiatrists are allowed to give medications to people with mental conditions, meanwhile most psychologists are not given the power to do so. How’s that? We hope you understand better now~
In conclusion, psychologists and psychiatrists may seem the same on the surface level, but if we look at them from a deeper and wider perspective, they are actually not similar to one another. Although the purposes of the occupations are identical, each has its own way of achieving the objective, which is to treat patients with mental health illnesses. Both of them are vital to our healthcare. Without any of these two, our healthcare system would face a lot of shortcomings. Now that you know the differences between these two specialists, it will be beneficial for you to acknowledge their contributions to our society. Hope you don’t mistake them for each other anymore after this!
REFERENCES
Cherry, K. (2019). Differences Between Psychologists and Psychiatrists. Retrieved 11 February 2020 from https://www.verywellmind.com/psychologists-vs-psychiatrists-what-is-the-difference-2795761
Harari, D. (2019). The Difference Between Psychology and Psychiatry (and How They Work Together). Retrieved 11 February 2020 from https://www.talkspace.com/blog/psychologist-vs-psychiatrist/
Ryback, R. (2016). Psychiatrist vs. Psychologist. Retrieved 11 February 2020 from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-truisms-wellness/201601/psychiatrist-vs-psychologist
Watson, S. (2019). Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist : What’s the Difference?. Retrieved 11 February 2020 from https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/what-is-the-difference-between-a-psychologist-and-a-psychiatrist#education
Proofread by Ilyana Elisa & Illya-Wardina
Published by Muhammad Hadwan & Aisyah Hanim
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