What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
The most basic difference between the two is that a psychiatrist is a registered medical doctor who can prescribe medication to the patients while a psychologist is not. Psychiatry is a branch of medicine that specializes in curing mental health disorders using medication if necessary. A psychiatrist goes to a medical school and will spend at least a year working in physical medicine. In contrast, psychology focusses on formative influences that determine a person’s behaviour such as their emotional history and sociological background. A psychologist will help patients understand their actions and reactions so that they may modify their behaviour to reduce distress. A psychologist starts his or her training with a psychology degree and goes on to higher studies but has no medical background.
At The London Psychiatry Centre we have a team of experienced psychiatrists and psychologists who work together to offer a combination of services aimed at improving your mental health.
