What Are the Differences Between Psychotherapy and Medicine?
Psychiatrists and doctors of psychiatry are two of the most popular mental health professionals in the United States. Their combined number in hospitals is greater than the combined number of doctors who practice medicine overall. They treat patients with a wide range of emotional problems including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress disorders, schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorders. With that said, both psychiatrists and psychologists should have a healthy self esteem and healthy self image.
Both psychiatrists and psychologists gain insight into patients’ minds and behaviors through psychological tests. The educational requirements for psychiatrists do not require an advanced degree in psychology. The educational requirements for psychologists do vary depending on the specialty they work in. Psychology doctoral programs require a Psy.D., and there are a few states that require a Psy.D. and a Ph.D. from a state board recognized by The American Psychological Association (APA).
The requirements for psychiatrists who want to work in either the private or public sector are considerably different than requirements for psychologists. For psychiatrists, there is only a minimum of three years of residency training in mental health. In addition, there are no requirements for psychologists to complete four years of residency training in any discipline.
In order to become licensed as a psychiatrist in the United States, there are some requirements that must be met. Parole or licensure may be required for psychiatrists who want to work in primary care settings such as clinics or hospitals. In order to become a psychiatrist in the United States, you must first complete all the requirements for licensure and register with the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) after completion of an accredited bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college. Most psychiatrists start out their careers as psychotherapists but eventually choose to pursue psychiatry. Some psychiatrists choose to pursue both practices.
Psychiatrists participate in either one on one or group psychotherapy sessions, as well as participate in a group psychotherapy session. Psychotherapy is often used along with medication for mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and depression. The medications used by psychiatrists may be in the form of anti-depressants (SSRIs), tranquilizers, or other prescriptions. There are also some newer drug therapy options being developed that can help patients suffering from mood disorders.
Another option that is becoming popular in the treatment of mental disorders is geriatric psychiatry. This is a form of mental disorder that refers to the study of elderly adults. There is a growing demand for psychiatrists who specialize in geriatric medicine, and many doctors who specialize in this field have received their medical degrees from the colleges that focus on geriatric medicine. Many psychiatrists work in hospitals that deal with geriatric patients, working with such problems as dementia and cognitive deficiencies. Some doctors work at clinics or hospices that deal with mental disorders in elderly people.
Psychologists and psychiatrists both share some similar characteristics, but their specific areas of specialization vary. A psychiatrist can specialize in either clinical or psychodynamic psychology, while a psychologist may choose to specialize in either clinical or counseling. While there are no national diagnostic standards for mental disorders, psychiatrists must be licensed before they can practice medicine. A person can become licensed through a process called accreditation by the Board of Psychology Accreditation. Once the requirements for licensing have been met, a doctor can begin to provide professional therapy. At any point during a person’s career, they can seek a diagnosis of a mental disorder and begin treatment.
Although many people view psychotherapy and medication as the same thing, they are actually very different. Cognitive behavior therapy, which is the most common type of psychotherapy, aims to change the way that a person perceives his or her world around them. Medication, on the other hand, seeks to control moods and increase the patient’s levels of happiness and satisfaction with life. While psychotherapy and medication may be used to treat different psychological disorders, the success of each medication varies. For instance, the effects of an SSRI can vary from person to person depending on how severe his or her disorder is.
