I remember my first few lectures of ‘Introduction to Psychology’ in university. It included the topic- the difference between psychiatrists and psychologists. ‘Very Important’, emphasised our professor.  

 

There can’t be anything wrong with that. After all, students should know the nuances their professions carry. Like any other topic, it was reduced to something to “cover” for the exams. Something meant to be forgotten once the exams were over. It seemed like it was its fate to remain merely academic in nature. 

 

Months passed. Classes, Internships, and, dare I say, friendships, all of them got over. I started working. It gave me an opportunity to interact with people outside of academia. These interactions paved the way for the same old question. Do I visit a psychiatrist or a psychologist? More importantly, how does it matter?  

 

The Difference 

Google would tell you that a psychiatrist is a medical doctor, someone with a specialisation in medicine. Whereas a psychologist is specialist in studying human mind and behaviour. Their mode of treatments differ- psychiatrists prescribes medicines for symptom alleviation. Psychologists provide therapy. They explore the person, find maladaptive patterns, and take corrective measures to increase adaptability. A psychologist can’t, however, prescribe medicines.  

 

The division of labour so far seems clear. One is for medicines; the other is for therapy. But how does it matter to a person who just wants to seek?  Clearly, you would not want to stress more about whom to seek help from. Otherwise, it would add more to your distress. Well, that’s the point. Mental healthcare is supposed to be holistic in nature. It incorporates every little aspect that can have an impact on one’s mental well-being. Ideally, the identity of the clinician shouldn’t matter. As they say, idealism rarely meets reality.  

It’s not an academic discussion 

The nature of the division of work of Psychologists and Psychiatrists can seem academic. However, it is not. It becomes consequential, as their practice sometimes becomes increasingly exclusionary. It may reach a point when one starts to undermine the other. 

 

Let’s take an example. A middle-aged man reports feeling frustrated, agitated and uninterested in his work. He has been in the same field for nearly two decades. He visits a psychiatrist who prescribes him medicines only and dismisses the need for therapy.  

 

Another person, B, reports acute symptoms to a psychologist. The psychologist presses for psychotherapy but dismisses the need for medicines. Mind you, medicines can clearly provide immediate relief.   

 

As plain as day, the clinicians in the above examples have failed to provide their patients with holistic care they deserve. Medicines may lower the anxiety and uplift the mood. However, ignoring environmental factors won’t do much good either. Nor would therapy be effective if the distress is intense and requires urgent medical attention. 

 

Vision gives direction 

 

Now imagine, our middle-aged man goes to a different psychiatrist, who not only prescribes him medicines but also psychoeducates him. He goes onto recommend therapy. In therapy, the psychologist explores patient’s life including his work environment, aspirations, frustrations and what not. The therapist comes up with a treatment plan. They would learn how to better deal with all the choke points and perhaps live a less deterministic life. Medicines and therapy, in this case, would go hand in hand. This is the promise of a collaborative mental health approach. Clinicians have to collaborate to help the patient in the best way possible. 

 

You may wonder about the need for this article. The fact of the matter is this- Mental health is one such sphere which is still highly stigmatised. Eight in 10 people who require mental health support still do not get one.  Portrayals of clinicians in mass media- such as the therapist in the show Family Man, does not reflect well on the mascots of mental health. So when a person walks into a clinic, they come in despite the stigma.

They come in with a hope to get better. Naturally, it becomes the duty of the clinician to provide them with the most appropriate treatment. Clinician’s identity ought not to interfere in the treatment. The reality demands us mental health mascots to stand united and help the people we ought to.  

 

Conversations around mental health require sensitivity. It requires clinicians to fully attune to the person. An empathic therapist goes a long way in helping the patient. If this article resonates with you, we’d be happy to assist. With therapists on board, iDare hopes to help you better. We hope to provide the holistic care you deserve. 

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