Question

What is the main difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Answer 1

Psychology is concerned with all aspects of behaviour and the thoughts, feelings and motivation underlying such behaviour.. . . Psychiatry is the study of mental disorders and their diagnosis, management and prevention. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have qualified in Psychiatry.

Answer 2

Psychologists deal with THEROY and cannot perscribe drugs. Psychiatrists deal with PEOPLE and CAN perscribe drugs. . . Thats my story and im STICKIN to it.

Answer 3

They both are trying to fix the same kinds of problems - mental problems - but they have different approaches. Prescribing meds is not the only difference, they may have different ideas on other therapies. Some psychiatrists prescribe meds AND do the same kinds of therapies that psychologists do. Some psychiatrists just prescribe medicines and think that the medicines will fix everything. Some psychologists are quacks, and so are some psychiatrists. Some therapies work for some people but not others, and some medicines work for some people but not others. . There are many kinds of psychotherapies and drug therapies out there, with mixed levels of success. The most important factor is the competence, knowledge, and understanding of whatever kind of professional you choose, not whether or not it's a PhD or an MD. It make take some experimentation, trial and error, and research to find out exactly what your kid needs. . . I work with kids, but I'm not what you're looking for. Still, you can email me if you have more questions.

Answer 4

psychiatrists prescribe medicines, they have doctorates. further, psychiatry and psychology are not the same disciplines

Answer 5

The main difference is that a psychiatrist is a medical doctor and thus went throught the same medical training as any doctor but concentrated on psychiatry. They can and do perscribe medication. A psychologist usually has a PhD if he/she has a private practice. They are trained in different therapy techniques. For children a psychologist will usually use some form of play or behavioral therapy. If you disagree w/ what the Dr. says or don't think he or she is right for your child, find another. Don't let them bully you into doing anything you are uncomfortable with.

Answer 6

Pete and Musicals are both right. However, many Psychiatrists don't delve into your past or have "therapy sessions" (like Tony Soprano). They, being Physicians, will often just listen to and/or observe your symptoms and prescribe medication.

Answer 7

Psychologist's just talk talk talk, blah blah blah. . Psychiatrist's can prescribe meds and they also do a good bit of talking.

Answer 8

A psychologist is some who evaluates the problem, and if there is a problem, then you are referred to a psychiatrist, for further evaluation, and medication. That is the best way i can compare the two. I hope i helped. good luck with your son. Tell you husband that he is doing the right thing by his son.

Answer 9

They both have similar training but yes, a psychiatrist has an M.D. degree and a psychologist doesn't--he may have a Ph.D. A psychiatrist may be more expensive. Both will delve into your past!

Answer 10

a psychiatrist can proscribe meds