When it comes to seeking help for a mental illness or any kind of mental problems, two names come to mind: Psychologists and Psychiatrists. But who do we approach? Psychologists and psychiatrists are both trained in the same practice of mental health care, yet the treatments they offer vary on the type of mental condition. If you are seeking someone to counsel for mental illnesses, whom do you approach?
Read on to understand what is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist.
Psychologist and Psychiatrist – Educational Background
While both psychologists and psychiatrists essentially study the same subject of mental health, their approach to the subject is very different.
A psychiatrist studies to get a medical degree in the field of mental health either to attain an MD (doctor of medicine) or DO (doctor of osteopathic medicine). After they graduate with either of the degrees, they write an exam to gain a license to practice their field in a chosen state.
They are then required to continue the practice for a minimum of four years in a hospital under supervision from senior doctors. Psychiatrists must also renew their practice certifications every 10 years.
A psychologist studies a graduate program in medicine for a period of four or six years to attain a PhD (doctor of philosophy) or PsyD (doctor of psychology) degree. They will also be required to complete an exam to gain license in a chosen state to practice professionally.
Approach to Treatments
Being certified medical professionals, psychiatrists are authorised to diagnose and treat documented cases of mental illness. You would usually find a psychiatrist employed at a major hospital, a rehabilitation centre, a medical university, nursing homes or practicing in a private institution.
Psychologists are not authorised to prescribe medications. Instead, they recommend talk therapies and exercises that are best suited for mild mental conditions, and this is all done through careful observation and counselling with their patients. They are also found in similar places as psychiatrists but prefer setting up a private practice.
Whom to Consult - a Pyschiatrist or a Psychologist?
Before you approach a psychiatrist or a psychologist, you must first consider the kind of mental health issues you are facing. If someone you care about is undergoing lots of stress and shows signs of anxiety and depression, it is best to consult a psychologist. Psychologists will take them through mental therapy sessions to ease their troubled mind.
Psychiatrists are best consulted when a person is undergoing severe cases of mental illness. This is evident through extreme fluctuations in mood, behaviour and an unusual pattern of disruptions in daily living due to mental health issues. The psychiatrist will be able to diagnose the issue and provide the best medications to help control their mental state.
There are many cases where consulting both a psychologist and psychiatrist can prove beneficial. The two normally work in tandem, when it comes to diagnosing and treating a mental illness.
On the financial front, make sure you have medical insurance to cover for the medications and if needed, medical therapies that a psychiatrist would recommend. Psychologists normally split their fees on a monthly or per-visit basis.
Important Questions to Ask
When you have decided whom to consult, it’s best to be well prepared before your first visit. One good way to get comfortable with both a psychiatrist and a psychologist is to have a list of questions you should ask to break the ice and get familiar with them.
Some questions to ask your psychiatrist:
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1. What are the treatment options available?
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2. How long is the medication process?
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3. Are there any side effects of the treatment?
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4. Will I develop a dependency of the medication?
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5. What happens if I skip treatment?
Some questions to ask your psychologist:
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1. How long have you been in practice?
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2. Describe your ideal patient?
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3. How long will the sessions be?
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4. Do you work independently?
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5. How much do you charge?
Conclusion
Both psychologists and psychiatrists are equally capable in their field to work with mental illness. No one is better than the other, they are experts in their own areas of specialization and effective results are seen when both of them work together to improve an individual’s mental wellbeing.
At Cadabam’s, we believe in a multi-approach for the best outcome. Meet the best of the psychiatrist and the psychologist who work hand in hand to give you the best treatment.
FAQ’s
1.Is it better to see a psychiatrist or psychologist?
Ans. A question that everyone faces when they seek help for mental health , psychiatrist vs psychologist, whom to choose? Well, the answer depends, If you feel you need medication for your condition, you can approach a psychiatrist. However, if you feel you do not want to take the medication route, you can consult a psychologist. Further, if you feel undecided, a psychologist would be a good starting point.
2.How is a psychologist different from a psychiatrist?
Ans. What is the difference between psychologist and psychiatrist? A question we have been asked innumerable times. Psychiatrists and Psychologists come from different educational backgrounds. They differ in their expertise as well. Psychiatrists are certified medical professionals with a background of studying medicine. Psychologists approach mental health from a different perspective and have to attain a degree of PhD ( Doctor of Philosophy). Psychiatrists can prescribe medication while psychologists have
3.Is a psychologist a Doctor?
Ans. A psychologist is a trained mental health professional who has completed a PhD. This is where the difference between psychiatrist and psychologist lies. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication while a psychologist focuses on the therapeutic approach to recovery. A psychologist uses approaches like REBT, CBT, Counselling and many other approaches to ensure you complete full recovery.
How to find the right Psychiatrist?
If you’re finding it difficult to find the right psychiatrist in California, don’t worry–you’re not alone. Psychiatrists are highly specialized professionals. They tend to be busy–appointments can be short (e.g. 15 mins.)–and so as a potential client you can sometimes feel lost or confused. Don’t let this deter you.
Begin first by checking the psychiatrists listed here nearest to you. If they are limited in number, expand out your search geographically (Broaden your Search) and see who’s available further afield. Use the links in the left nav bar to find the relevant insurance, if you intend to use your health insurance to pay for the provider.
If you’re still finding it difficult to find a psychiatrist in California, call or contact the professionals here and ask for a psychiatric referral. You can also call the psychiatric nurses in California as they tend to be affiliated to a network of psychiatrists in their area ( California). Or just chat to them to see if they can help.
Overview
What are dissociative disorders?
Dissociative disorders are mental health conditions that involve feelings of being detached from reality, being outside of your own body or experiencing memory loss (amnesia).
The word “dissociation” means to be disconnected from others, from the world around you or from yourself.
Dissociative disorders typically develop after short-term or long-term trauma.
Types of dissociative disorders
The three types of dissociative disorders include:
- Dissociative identity disorder (DID): People with DID have two or more separate identities. These identities (called “alters”) control their behavior at various times. Each alter has its own personal history, traits, likes and dislikes.
- Dissociative amnesia: This condition happens when you can’t remember essential information about your life. The forgetting may be limited to specific aspects of your life or may include much of your life history and/or identity.
- Depersonalization/derealization disorder: This is a condition in which you feel detached from your thoughts, feelings and body (depersonalization), and/or disconnected from your environment (derealization).
There’s also a symptom called dissociative fugue. It’s a temporary mental state in which a person has memory loss and ends up in an unexpected place.
Because dissociative disorders appear on the trauma spectrum, many people with a dissociative disorder may have co-occurring trauma-related mental health conditions, such as:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD).
- Substance use disorders.
- Depression.
- Anxiety disorders.
Who do dissociative disorders affect?
People of all ages and racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds can develop a dissociative disorder. Women and people assigned female at birth are more likely to have a diagnosis.
People who experienced physical and/or sexual abuse in childhood have the greatest risk of developing dissociative identity disorder (DID). About 90% of people who have DID in the United States, Canada and Europe experienced childhood abuse and neglect.
How common are dissociative disorders?
Dissociative disorders are rare. About 2% of people in the United States have them.
Symptoms and Causes
What are the symptoms of dissociative disorders?
The symptoms of dissociative disorders depend on the type. Symptoms usually first develop after a traumatic event.
Stressful situations can worsen symptoms and cause issues with daily functioning.
Symptoms of dissociative identity disorder (DID)
A person with DID has two or more distinct identities. The “core” identity is the person’s usual personality. “Alters” are the person’s alternate personalities. The core is the identity you had before developing DID and alters.
Each alter has a particular set of behaviors, attitudes, preferences, memories and ways of thinking. Other people may be able to tell the difference between the alters, as well as the person with DID. Shifting from one alter to another is involuntary and sudden.
Another symptom of DID is ongoing gaps in memory about everyday events, personal information and/or past traumatic events.
These symptoms can range widely in severity. For some people, the condition minimally interferes with their life. For others, it causes significant issues.
Symptoms of dissociative amnesia
In dissociative amnesia, the main symptom is an episode of amnesia (memory loss) that comes on suddenly. It can last months or years.
There are three types of amnesia:
- Localized: You can’t remember an event or period of time (the most common form of amnesia).
- Selective: You can’t remember certain details of events within a given period of time.
- Generalized: You can’t remember anything about your identity and life history (the rarest form).
You may not be aware of your memory loss or have only a little awareness. But loved ones usually recognize the memory loss.
Symptoms of depersonalization/derealization disorder
The symptoms of depersonalization/derealization disorder include experiencing one or both of the following episodes in a recurring pattern over a lengthy period of time:
- Depersonalization: This involves feelings of unreality or of being detached from your mind, body or self. It feels as if you’re observing your life and the events from afar rather than being an active participant.
- Derealization: This involves feelings of unreality or of being detached from your surroundings. People and things may not seem real.
During these episodes, you’re aware of your surroundings and know that what you’re experiencing isn’t normal.
These symptoms may start as early as childhood. The average age of the first episode is 16. Fewer than 20% of people with this condition will have their first episode after age 20.
What causes dissociative disorders?
Dissociative disorders often develop as a way to deal with a catastrophic event or with long-term stress, abuse or trauma.
This is particularly true if such events take place early in childhood. At this time of life, there are limitations to your ability to fully understand what’s happening. In addition, your coping mechanisms aren’t fully developed and getting support and resources depends on the presence of caring and knowledgeable adults.
Mentally removing yourself from a traumatic situation can be a coping mechanism that helps you escape pain in the short term. This coping mechanism can become an issue if it continues to separate you from reality and removes memories of entire periods of time.
Traumatic situations may include:
- Repeated physical, mental or sexual abuse.
- An accident.
- A natural disaster.
- Military combat.
- Being a victim of a crime.
Scientists have recently been studying specific brain structures and functions that are related to dissociation. So far, they’ve found that during dissociation, structures in the memory regions deep in your brain show rhythmic activity but seem disconnected from other regions responsible for thought and planning.
Diagnosis and Tests
How are dissociative disorders diagnosed?
Healthcare providers diagnose dissociative disorders by assessing your symptoms and personal history.
Your provider may order tests to rule out possible medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms (such as memory loss), including:
- Head injury.
- Brain tumors.
- Sleep deprivation.
- Substance and/or alcohol use.
Once they rule out possible causes, they’ll likely refer you to a mental health specialist, such as a psychologist, to make a diagnosis through clinical interview and observations.
Mental health professionals use criteria in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to diagnose specific dissociative disorders.
Management and Treatment
How are dissociative disorders treated?
Treatment of dissociative disorders usually consists of psychotherapy (talk therapy) to help you gain control over the dissociative process and symptoms.
Psychotherapy takes place with a trained, licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. It can provide support, education and guidance to you and/or your family to help you function better and increase your well-being.
Specific types of psychotherapy commonly used for dissociative disorders include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This is a structured, goal-oriented type of psychotherapy. Your therapist or psychologist helps you take a close look at your thoughts and emotions. Through CBT, you can unlearn negative thoughts and behaviors and learn to adopt healthier thinking patterns and habits.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT is specially adapted for people who experience emotions very intensely. The main goal is to strike a balance between validation (acceptance) of who you are and your challenges and the benefits of change. Your therapist will help you learn new skills to improve emotion regulation.
Therapy can be difficult, as it involves remembering and learning to deal with past trauma. But it can significantly help your symptoms in the long term.
Other therapies that can help include:
- Hypnosis: Hypnosis (hypnotherapy) is a state of deep relaxation and focused concentration. When you’re under hypnosis, this intense level of concentration and focus allows you to ignore ordinary distractions and be more open to guided suggestions to make changes to improve your health.
- EMDR therapy: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy involves moving your eyes a specific way while you process traumatic memories. EMDR’s goal is to help you heal from trauma or other distressing life experiences. Compared to other therapy methods, EMDR is relatively new.
No specific medications treat dissociative disorders. But your provider may recommend certain medications, such as antidepressants, to treat co-occurring mental health conditions.
Outlook / Prognosis
What is the prognosis for dissociative disorders?
The prognosis (outlook) for dissociative disorders varies.
With professional treatment (usually psychotherapy), many people with a dissociative disorder can address the major symptoms of the condition and improve their daily functioning.
For some people, the dissociative disorder, especially dissociative identity disorder (DID), severely impacts their life.
Suicide attempts and self-harm are common in people with DID. More than 70% of people with DID attempt suicide.
If you or a loved one are thinking about suicide, dial 988 on your phone to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Someone will be available to help you 24/7.
Living With
When should I see my healthcare provider?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a dissociative disorder, talk to a healthcare provider or mental health professional.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
As with all mental health conditions, seeking help as soon as symptoms appear can help decrease the disruptions to your life. Talk to a healthcare provider if you’re experiencing symptoms of dissociation. Mental health professionals can offer treatment plans that can help you manage your condition.
