Psychiatry vs. Psychology: Learn the Differences

What is the difference between Psychiatry and Psychology?

The National Health Service (NHS) defines psychiatry as the medical field focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health conditions. Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who can prescribe medications and may also provide therapy or recommend other forms of treatment.

Regarding psychology, it is described by the NHS as the study of people: how they think, act, react, and interact. It is concerned with all aspects of behaviour, as well as the thoughts, feelings, and motivations underlying such behaviour. Psychologists can specialise in various areas, and those who primarily work with individuals (although they may also work with teams and organisations) are known as clinical psychologists.

Unlike psychiatrists, psychologists are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medications. However, they have the expertise to recognize when medication, under a psychiatrist’s supervision, is necessary.

What about psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a branch of psychology. While psychology broadly covers topics related to human behaviour and thought, psychotherapy focuses on specific techniques to help patients overcome challenges and manage symptoms related to mental health conditions.

Common therapies used in psychotherapy include:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Psychoanalytic therapy
• Psychodynamic therapy
• Systemic and family therapy
• Arts and play therapy
• Humanistic and integrative therapies
• Hypno-psychotherapy
• Experiential constructivist therapy

When to see a psychiatrist?

Certain mental disorders require medication as the first line treatment, which must be prescribed and supervised by a psychiatrist. These disorders include:

• Schizophrenia
• Psychosis
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizoaffective disorder
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)
• Certain anxiety disorders

These are just a few examples, but there are many mental disorders that require psychiatric supervision.

However, combining medication with psychological consultations can significantly improve outcomes in many cases. For example, in the case of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), there are two first-line treatments: medication and cognitive-behavioural therapy (a form of psychotherapy). In ADHD treatment, although medication is still the first-line treatment, some cases have shown that environmental restructuring and behavioural therapy alone can be effective.

Depression and anxiety disorders are often treated with a combination of medication and psychological support. Disorders involving hallucinations primarily rely on medication, but psychology can be an integral part of the treatment plan, helping patients cope with the disease, and overcome daily challenges related to the condition.

Psychiatrists and psychologists often collaborate within the same treatment plan. In fact, many health conditions benefit from the combined expertise of these two specialties.

When to see a psychologist?

Not all cases require medication for treatment. Clinical psychologists work with people of all ages to address a wide range of psychological difficulties, both mental and behavioural.

Psychology and/or psychotherapy are the first-line treatment for some mental disorders such as:

• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Substance abuse
• Eating disorders
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Mild depression
• Video game addiction
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

This list addresses some conditions but not all of them.

There are cases of Generalised Anxiety Disorder that psychiatry may also be a first-line treatment. This is not the only case and, in fact, there is an extensive list of mental conditions that have multiple benefits when treated with both health specialties.

In some instances, psychology alone can be effective, particularly when treating patients with mild symptoms of anxiety or depression, or when helping individuals navigate challenging personal or professional situations.

Psychotherapy can help couples and/or families to overcome their challenges with Couples Therapy and Family Therapy. These forms of therapy do not work along with medication. The therapist can identify if an individual is experiencing acute symptoms that need a psychiatric evaluation; nevertheless therapy used in couples or families is restricted to psychotherapy.

What is the right treatment for my case?

If you’re unsure which health professional to consult for your situation, you’re not alone. Mental health is a complex field, and it’s common for patients to feel uncertain about the best course of action.

Initially, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider, whether it’s a general practitioner (GP), psychiatrist, or psychologist. The Psychological First Aid Videoconsultation offers patients a confidential session with a certified expert who can provide guidance on the most suitable treatment options.