The Difference Between Psychology And Psychiatry

Many people confuse psychology and psychiatry, as they are two fields that intersect with each other and share methods for treating psychological disorders. Below we will explain the difference between psychology and psychiatry. Keep reading.

Definition of psychology and psychiatry

We should start the difference between psychology and psychiatry with the definition of them to identify the specialty we talk about.

Psychology

It is more general and comprehensive as it is concerned with studying the mental and behavioral processes of humans. 

Psychiatry

It is concerned with studying psychological disorders only, diagnosing and treating them, and in treating them, it relies on medical medications. The psychiatrist must have great knowledge of medical medications so that he can prescribe them to his patients.

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and psychologist?

Below is a table to illustrate the similarities and differences between them:

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What is the difference between psychology and psychiatry in terms of tasks?

Tasks of both psychology and psychiatry explain the difference between psychology and psychiatry as the following:

Psychology tasks:

1. Identifying psychological disorders. 

2. Providing psychological treatment. 

3. Conducting psychological research. 

4. Providing guidance and advice. 

5. Training and education. 

6. Improving treatment and preventive programs. 

7. Education sector such as schools. 

8. Improving the work environment in companies and institutions. 

9. Providing family and marital counseling Conducting psychological evaluations for children Contributing to the development of health policies. 

10. Promoting psychological care during difficult circumstances Field of criminal justice.

Psychiatry tasks:

1. Evaluation and diagnosis of psychological disorders. 

2. Prescribing appropriate medications to control symptoms and improve psychological condition. 

3. Providing individual or group therapeutic sessions. 

4. The use of electricity to stimulate the brain in severe cases of depression and other psychological disorders.

5.  Providing psychological and social support to the patient and his family. 

6. Conducting scientific research to develop a deeper understanding of psychological disorders and improve available treatments.

Areas of work for psychologists and psychiatrists in Türkiye

Although the difference between psychology and psychiatry, the fields of work are the same for psychiatrists and psychologists in Türkiye as follows: 

• Hospitals.

• Health and educational institutions as educational guides.

• Homes for the elderly and orphanage care. 

• Humanitarian organizations. 

• Health services center affiliated with university housing for public and private universities.

• Working in a private clinic to provide psychological consultations.

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Advantages and disadvantages of specializing in psychology and psychiatry

Advantages and disadvantages of specializing in psychology and psychiatry may help you to know the difference between psychology and psychiatry and which one is more suitable for you.

First: Advantages of psychology:

1. A deep understanding of human behavior. 

2. Diversity of professional opportunities. 

3. Contributing to improving the quality of life. 

4. Flexibility in economics. 

5. Developing communication skills. 

6. Advanced scientific research.

Second: Disadvantages of majoring in psychology:

1. Exposure to psychological stress. 

2. The length of the study and training period. 

3. Dealing with complex medical cases. 

4. Social and cultural pressures. 

5. Ethical challenges. 

6. Continuous updating of information.

Third: Advantages of the specialty of psychiatry:

1. contributing to a positive impact on the lives of patients and finding solutions to their psychological problems. 

2. Diversity of job opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and research institutions. 

3. Working with a multidisciplinary team, which helps to exchange experiences and knowledge. 

4. Improving personal and behavioral understanding through studying psychological factors for the patient.

5.  increasing opportunities for continued research and study in various new fields in psychiatry.

Fourth: Disadvantages of the specialty of psychiatry:

1. The great psychological pressures that the doctor is exposed to due to the complex medical cases that he deals with. 

2. Long working hours during the day. 

3. Mental illnesses may affect, in one way or another, the lives of psychiatrists. 

4. Continuous learning and continuous research to keep pace with scientific and research developments first and foremost.

What are the duties of a psychologist and psychiatrist?

The difference between psychology and psychiatry is also the duties of psychologist and psychiatrist.

The duties of a psychology specialist include :

1. Psychological evaluation:he conducts interviews and psychological tests to determine the psychological behavior and psychological state of the individual.

2. Psychotherapy:not for cognitive behavioral therapy and therapy Psychodynamics to solve the psychological problems of individuals.

3. Scientific research:conducting many researches and studies to understand human behavior and the psychological factors that affect it, whether biological, environmental or social.

4. Preventive intervention:working to create programs aimed at reducing psychological disorders such as depression, stress, and anxiety, and how to adapt to society to reduce these diseases

5. Training and professional development:work on continuous training for students or professionals to develop their abilities and skills in this field.

6. Consultations:which aims to provide consultations to individuals or groups to improve the work environment and enhance mental health, whether in schools, factories or companies.

Duties of a psychiatrist:

1. Diagnosis of psychological disorders: through clinical tests and interviews to understand the psychological state of the individual.

2. Developing treatment plans: meaning determining the appropriate treatment, whether medication or psychological treatment.

3. Medication management: Prescribing appropriate medications such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and psychiatric medications, and monitoring the patient’s response to them.

4. Psychotherapy: such as psychotherapy conditions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy.

5. Continuous evaluation: This means continuous monitoring of the patient’s condition, the extent of his response to treatment, and the flexibility to change medications according to the patient’s condition.

6. Education and support: meaning providing advice and guidance to the patient’s family to contain and support him psychologically.

7. Working with a multidisciplinary team: such as general doctors, psychologists, nutritionists, and others, so that comprehensive care can be provided to the patient from all aspects.

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Study psychology and psychiatry in Türkiye

Studying psychiatry in Türkiye is an exciting experience as the student specializes in psychiatry in the sixth year of human medicine, which is interested in studying psychological, mental and neurological diseases and the resulting reactions, behaviors and thoughts.

Studying psychology In Türkiye will take four years, after which the student can immediately begin graduate studies. Psychology is taught in Turkish universities by a group of faculty members with international experience.

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When should you visit a psychiatrist?

Severe depression

• Panic attacks.

• Phobias.

• Bipolar disorders. 

• Schizophrenia.

• Eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia.

• Personality disorders.

• (ADHD) attention deficit hyperactivity disorders.

• (OCD)Obsessive-compulsive disorder.

• (PTSD)Post-traumatic stress disorder.

When should you visit a psychologist?

You should visit psychology if you have one of the following:

• Depression

• relationship problems. 

• Anxiety

• Financial problems 

• Stress

• Aging 

• Eating disorders

• Domestic violence

• Alcohol and drug abuse

• Loss or grief 

• Low self-esteemPost-traumatic stress disorders

• Phobias and fears 

Advantages of studying psychiatry and Psychology in Türkiye

After discussing the difference between psychology and psychiatry, you should know why Türkiye? 

1. The international rankings are enjoyed by Turkish universities. 

2. The abundance of university hospitals and psychiatric clinics in Türkiye equipped with the latest diagnostic methods, which gives the student the opportunity to train and gain experience. 

3. Cooperation between the Department of Medicine and the Department of Psychology on the one hand, and many international organizations and bodies on the other hand.

4. Supervision of scientific cadres with a high level of experience at Turkish universities, whether governmental or private. 

5. Granting internationally recognized certificates after graduation. 

6. Average tuition costs compared to universities in other countries. 

7. Scholarships in some Turkish universities grant the student an exemption from all tuition fees, while others exempt them from half the expenses.

8. Studying in Turkish universities is in one of the two languages, Turkish or English, to make it easier for the student, as he chooses the language he is proficient in to study in.

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Conclusion

At the end of the article about the difference between psychology and psychiatry , it becomes clear to us that psychology is more comprehensive and has many branches, while psychiatry specializes in studying human behavior and psychological and mental illnesses, and then the role of both the psychologist and the human doctor differs in terms of studying each of them, the types of illnesses he deals with, and the method of treatment.

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Frequently asked questions about the difference between psychology and psychiatry

Are psychiatric and psychological disorders the same?

The term psychological disorders sometimes refer to mental disorders or psychiatric disorders.

Mental disorders are abnormal patterns of behavioral or psychological symptoms that impact multiple areas of life.

What is the difference between psychiatry and psychotherapy?

While psychiatrists diagnose mental disorders and prescribe medication after that , psychotherapists aren't qualified to do so, and they instead use other treatment methods, such as talk therapy to help their patients to overcome their trauma or other emotional challenges, and use a variety of therapeutic programs.

Is it better to study psychology or psychiatry?

This depends on your passion and abilities as both fields are different as a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who graduated from the Faculty of Human Medicine. He is interested in diagnosis and treatment plans, medications, and identifying specific treatment schools linked to time. This psychologist is not a doctor and is doing postgraduate studies in treatments and implementing the sessions that the doctor has specified.