Psychologists and Psychiatrists Have Different Duties, So Where Should Consultation?
A 2017 World Health Organization (WHO) report states that there are more than 300 million people in the world who experience depression, and 260 million others suffer from anxiety disorders. Reporting from Tempo, the Association of Indonesian Mental Health Specialists (PDSKJI) said that of the total population of 250 million Indonesians, 9 million of them have depression, 14 million people have symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders, and around 400 thousand people suffer from schizophrenia. The numbers in the field may be even more because not everyone realizes they have mental health problems.
So if you start to suspect that symptoms of depression or other mental illness appear in yourself, should you consult a psychologist or psychiatrist?
Psychologists and psychiatrists have different duties
Psychologists and psychiatrists are both mental health specialists, so you can come to both of them to consult about mental disorders – including finding out the causes, symptoms, and how to treat them.
The difference is, a psychologist is not a medical doctor. A psychologist is a mental health specialist who has graduated from an undergraduate or postgraduate program in Psychology. Meanwhile, psychiatrists are medical doctors with a degree in Medicine who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses with at least 10 years of training experience, or often more.
Psychologists and psychiatrists can provide a diagnosis of a disease or disorder. According to C. Vaile Wright, PhD, director of the American Psychological Association, psychologists diagnose problems experienced by patients through personality, behavior, behavior and habits (such as diet and sleep habits), how to talk, and through the stories you tell. Meanwhile, psychiatrists diagnose patients through physical medicine, including the work of the human brain and nerves.
Because psychologists are not doctors, psychologists cannot prescribe drugs. The treatment services provided by psychologists are only about psychological consultation and psychotherapy which focuses on the relationship between the root of the problem, your mindset, and your behavior. You and your therapist can set very specific goals to achieve after therapy is over. Psychiatrists can open sessions for psychological therapy as well as prescribe medication, including general check-ups such as physical examinations and laboratory tests.
So, is it better to consult a psychologist or psychiatrist?
If you suspect a mental health problem, either due to depression or anxiety, it’s best to consult a general practitioner first. A general practitioner can provide an initial diagnosis of any suspected conditions and can then refer you to a specialist to determine what mental health problems you are currently facing.
Psychologists are more likely to treat patients with conditions that can still be helped effectively with psychological treatment alone. For example, the psychologist will listen to your story first, diagnose it, and make a plan that you should apply to the problem on a day-to-day basis. These can include behavioral problems such as addictions, emotional disorders, phobias, learning difficulties, depression, and anxiety disorders.
Meanwhile, psychiatrists tend to treat people who need therapy and medication after considering their medical, psychological and social needs. They are usually people with more complicated psychiatric conditions, such as major depression or major depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. A person who is having suicidal thoughts or attempts will also usually be referred to a psychiatrist.
Psychiatrists can also work with other specialists to treat your problem. For example, if your mental problem is causing you to become malnourished, you will immediately be referred by your psychiatrist for a consultation as well as a nutritionist.
Dr. Wright said, the decision to go to a psychologist and psychiatrist must be based on the problems you are facing. If you are unsure whether you should see a psychologist or a psychiatrist, consult a general practitioner. They can advise whether a psychologist or psychiatrist is right for you. Much will depend on your specific situation and the type of treatment you may need. Some people may have to see a psychologist and a psychiatrist at the same time.
Hello Health Group and Hello Sehat do not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please check our editorial policy page for more detailed information.
