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

Or roughly the same except psychiatrists can prescribe meds?

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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, just wondered what the difference in how they both work is. Psychologists also have a vast knowledge of mental health issues. Seems the most obvious difference is the psychiatrists are medical doctors and psychologists are not and can't prescribe

TexChik · F

@shanec psychiatrists have that same knowledge plus the ability to prescribe. By far the better choice for serious mental health issues.

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.