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Do psychiatrists have a better knowledge of mental disorders than psychologists ?

Or roughly the same except psychiatrists can prescribe meds?
Graylight · 51-55, F
Better knowledge depends on your definition. And psychiatrist is a medical doctor and understands and treat mental health through the lens of physical medicine. They prescribe medication and are not the ones to go to for regular talk therapy. They treat symptoms.

A psychologist holds a doctoral degree but is not a medical doctor. They often approach mental health through the lenses of behavior models and development of the mind. They're interested in the 'why." But they also end up running programs, working at universities or concentrating on testing and research. They cannot prescribe meds but can refer you to have meds filled if needed.

Much more common are licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), mental health therapists, addiction and mental health counselors, etc. These are certified or licensed professionals with their feet on the ground of early intervention and treatment. They, too, can refer to a specialist when meds are required, but it's surprisingly rare that meds actually are called for.

Meds can never fix, only mask. They can make life literally bearable for some, but many more might find with a little hard work they can accomplish the same thing, only much more lasting. Find someone with whom you can relate, can share, feel safe with. Whatever meds you need will be available to you.
WhateverWorks · 36-40
Psychiatrists are more equipped to deal with people who have abnormal mental health disorders where medication‘s are involved and/or clients with a background of trauma.

Psychologists tend to be more focused on research than actual counseling services
shanec · 41-45, M
@WhateverWorks There's psychiatrists though who offer counselling services and psychologists who also do here in Ireland anyway
WhateverWorks · 36-40
It’s similar here in the States, but most psychologists (their phd programs) are focused on research, not counseling, so people only tend to pursue their phd in psych if they plan to go into counseling. Only a very small number of states here require a phd to offer counseling services, which would make the degree a waste of money since they rarely are paid more as a counselor with a phd as opposed to a cou sort with only a masters.
TexChik · F
Most if not all mental health issues require medications. Psychiatrists went to med school , did a residency, and can prescribe meds. I believe they are more capable of helping patients with mental health problems.
shanec · 41-45, M
@TexChik Yep. I've met psychiatrists in the past. Only met a psychologist once. Very similar jobs it seems apart from one not being a medical doctor specialist
TexChik · F
@shanec psychologists are noninvasive and are good for psychic traumas. Psychiatrists treat both psychic trauma and organic brain diseases on a more invasive level.
shanec · 41-45, M
@TexChik Psychiatrists I met were more involved in managing medication, asking how the medication is going, asking how treatment is going, whilst they left the therapy sessions to someone else, eg. A CBT therapist.
The ones I know do, as MDs they have a better understanding of biological causes for certain illnesses.
shanec · 41-45, M
@bijouxbroussard Both jobs seem quite similar apart from one being a medical doctor and one not

 
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