Although psychiatry and psychology are both branches of science that study psychological or psychiatric problems, they both have differences. One of the differences between psychiatry and psychology is in the extent of the treatment that can be given.
The most basic difference between a psychiatrist (a person who specializes in psychiatry) and a psychologist (a person who studies psychology) is their educational background and scope of work. Broadly speaking, psychiatrists are doctors, while psychologists are not doctors.
Psychiatry is a medical science that focuses on mental health, while psychology is a non-medical science that studies a person's behavior and feelings. Despite their different backgrounds, the two complement each other.
Scope of Psychiatric Medicine
Doctors who have completed specialized education in the field of psychiatry are called psychiatrists or mental health specialists (SPKJ). The main task of a psychiatrist is to diagnose and treat patients with mental disorders, as well as to prevent these disorders.
Here are some examples of mental disorders treated by psychiatrists:
- phobia
- Depression and dementia
- Personality disorder
- Anxiety disorders
- Sleep and eating disorders
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
- Addiction to drugs or alcohol
In addition to treating the above conditions, psychiatrists are also often involved in treating diseases that can be related to the patient's psychological condition, such as disorders of the brain, chronic diseases, cancer, or HIV/AIDS.
Because psychiatry is a branch of medical science, psychiatrists are allowed to prescribe drugs to help treat mental disorders experienced by patients. Unlike the case with psychologists, they do not have the authority to prescribe drugs.
When Should Visiting a Psychiatrist?
The right time to visit a psychiatrist or psychologist is when you experience mental or psychological complaints that have affected your physical condition or daily activities.
People with mental disorders may actually visit a psychologist first for counseling. When deemed necessary, psychologists will refer people with mental disorders to psychiatrists for comprehensive treatment.
Even so, there are some conditions that require people with mental disorders to be taken directly to a psychiatrist, such as schizophrenia or depression that is severe enough to have suicidal intentions. If directly treated by a psychiatrist, sufferers can immediately get treatment to relieve symptoms, so as not to endanger themselves or others.
Psychiatry and psychology complement each other. Even so, the treatment that can be given by a psychiatrist is different from a psychologist.
Because of this limitation, psychologists deal more with psychological conditions related to everyday problems, while psychiatrists deal more with psychiatric disorders that are already severe and require medication.