What is the difference between psychiatrist and psychologist?

Psychology is the science of the mind and behavior. The word ‘psychology’ comes from the Greek word psyche meaning "breath, spirit, soul", and the Greek word logia meaning the study of something. Because psychology is a science it attempts to investigate the causes of behavior using systematic and objective procedures for observation, measurement and analysis. Psychology also aims to describe, explain, control and predict behavior.

Symbol of Psychology

Who is a Psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating mental illness. As a doctor, a psychiatrist is licensed to write prescriptions. Many mental disorders -- such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, or bipolar disorder -- can be treated effectively with specific drugs. The working of a psychiatrist includes a lot of the treatment to be focused on medication management.

Psychology Vs Psychiatrist

Professionals who are trained in psychology are called psychologist.. The area of expertise of a psychologist is mind and behavior. Some psychologists, such as clinical/ counseling psychologists, provide mental health care, and some other, such as social/ organizational psychologists conduct research, usually in university or other academic settings.

Basically, a psychologist is one who has studied psychology, whereas a psychiatrist has a medical degree with a specialty in psychiatry. Most licensed psychologists (or therapists, counselors, etc.) hold a doctorate (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in their field. At the roots level, a psychologist focuses on treating psychological problems through talk or psychotherapies whereas a psychiatrist focuses more on biological causes to these problems and treatment is sought by medication rather talk therapy by a psychiatrist.

Psychology plus Psychiatrist

As it has been proved by research studies that both biological and psychological or environmental factors contribute to mental illness, both psychology and psychiatry are used in combination for effective treatment of mental disorders. In many clinical settings psychiatrists and psychologists work together and give treatment to patients according to their root cause. In most of the patients, psychotherapy and medication both are given for better results.

In short we can say that psychology and psychiatry are overlapping professions. Practitioners in both – psychologists and psychiatrists - are mental health professionals. They often work together to prevent, diagnose, and treat mental illness.

What a psychiatrist cannot but psychologist can do?

The simplest answer lies in the educational background required for each profession. A psychiatrist has a degree in medicine and a psychologist has a doctoral-level degree in psychology. However, there are a number of other distinctions that make each profession quite unique.

Basically, a psychologist is one who has studied psychology, whereas a psychiatrist has a medical degree with a specialty in psychiatry. Most licensed psychologists (or therapists, counselors, etc.) hold a doctorate (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in their field. A psychiatrist is actually a doctor (M.D. or D.O.).

Psychologists, mainly, can be broken into two categories: Research and clinical. Research psychologists study human behavior and could work for a wide range of employers, including hospitals, businesses, governments, and nonprofits. Sometimes, they conduct controlled experiments, which can include observing behavior, conducting interviews, or analyzing survey results.

Clinical psychologists may be self-employed or they may work for a clinic, rehabilitation center, or hospital. These are the psychologists that offer counseling to people. A clinical psychologist might work with anyone who is mentally or emotionally disturbed, or may specialize in targeted conditions. Common reasons a patient may see a psychologist include:

·  Diagnosed mental disabilities, such as bipolar disorder, attention-deficit disorder, or adult fetal alcohol syndrome

·        Addictions

·        Couples or family counseling

·        Phobias

·        Anxiety disorders

·      Post-traumatic stress (the sufferers of which can range from combat veterans to rape victims to the recently widowed)

Typically, psychiatrists spend less time with clients and patients than psychologists do and may not become as emotionally invested in them by having ongoing therapy sessions. While talk therapy is an important part of a psychiatrist's work, psychiatrists tend to be more clinical — they are trained to conduct physical exams, order and interpret laboratory tests and brain imaging studies, and monitor patients to make sure prescribed drugs are having the desired effect.

Mental Illness and its warning signs

Most people believe that mental disorders are rare and “happen to someone else."  In fact, mental disorders are common and widespread. Mental disorders afflict 5 crore of the Indian population (5%) and need special care. 80% of our districts do not have even one psychiatrist in public service.

World Health Organisation estimates of 2001 indicate a prevalence level of about 22% of individuals developing one or more mental or behavioral disorders in their lifetime in India. Over 90% of people with mental illness are cared for within their communities by their families and may never even receive a diagnosis.

What are the warning signs of mental illness?

·         Recent social withdrawal and loss of interest in others.

·         Problems with concentration, memory, or logical thought and speech that are hard to explain.

·         Heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells or touch; avoidance of over-stimulating situations.

·         Loss of initiative or desire to participate in any activity; apathy.

·         A vague feeling of being disconnected from oneself or one’s surroundings; a sense of unreality.

·         Unusual or exaggerated beliefs about personal powers to understand meanings or influence events; illogical or “magical” thinking typical of childhood in an adult.

·         Fear or suspiciousness of others or a strong nervous feeling.

·         Uncharacteristic, peculiar behavior.

·         Dramatic sleep and appetite changes or deterioration in personal hygiene.

·         Rapid or dramatic shifts in feelings or “mood swings.”

·         An unusual drop in functioning, especially at school or work, such as quitting sports, failing in school, or difficulty performing familiar tasks.

One or two of these symptoms can’t predict a mental illness. But a person experiencing several together that are causing serious problems in his or her ability to study, work, or relate to others should be seen by a mental health professional.

If you think you or someone you know may have a mental or emotional problem, it is important to remember there is hope and help. Guidance counselors, teachers or classmates are often the first to notice symptoms.

What is Yoga?

The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word "Yuj" meaning to join or unite. This implies joining or integrating all aspects of the individual - body with mind and mind with soul - to achieve a happy, balanced and useful life, and spiritually, uniting the individual with the supreme.

What is the relation between Yoga and Psychology?

One may think of yoga as useful primarily for physical problems, but a major subject area in yoga is the mind, making it particularly useful for treating mental illness, which is also a major study area of psychology or psychopathology.

Yoga is best known for its poses (asanas) that reach deep into a person’s body, massaging vital internal organs and glands. They help cleanse and maintain the nervous and circulatory systems that bring about a healthier state of mind and body. Breathing exercises (pranayama) also help very much in keeping people mentally healthy. This is through the increased amount of oxygen supplied to the brain, the muscles and internal organs.

Studies show that Yoga practice can also lower heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure, and may make people less sensitive to pain.

Several recent studies suggest that yoga may help strengthen social attachments, reduce stress and relieve anxiety, depression and insomnia. Researchers are also starting to claim some success in using yoga and yoga-based treatments to help patients with post-traumatic stress disorder.

It stimulates parasympathetic nervous system (system responsible for relaxed state and calmness of body or mind).

But it should be kept in mind that Yoga alone not ought to be treated as the only remedy for mental disorders. If there are any of the symptoms mentioned above, the assistance of a professional –psychologist or psychiatrist – must be sought. Yoga only helps facilitate the recovery from some dangerous side effects of these mental disorders. All Yoga practices must be accompanied by psychiatric treatment and counseling.