Do we know how to differentiate between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Most people, if not all, have experienced difficult situations in which they have come to feel that they cannot move forward alone because they do not know how. routine problems with work, friends or even family They can become disabling if not addressed. Mental health is very important, as much as physical health but we don't manage it in the same way.

There are people who decide to try to solve problems on their own, but often they don't succeed because there is a bigger underlying problem. Others prefer not to pay attention to complicated situations and, in the meantime, let them grow without realizing that an early diagnosis makes treatment easier, also in online psychological therapy. For people who decide to ask for professional help, a new problem arises since many do not know who to turn to.

Jerónimo Saiz, patron of the Spanish Foundation for Psychiatry and Mental Health, explains that «if you have a physical health problem you should go to a professional who can help you; if you have a mental health problem you should also do so.»

The data is revealing, One in three families has, has had or will have a person with mental health problems in their midst and therefore you will need the help of a professional, but who should you go to?

The Initial difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist is the academic training. The psychologist has university studies in Psychology and evaluates the patient from the understanding of human behavior. On the contrary, The psychiatrist has university studies in Medicine and one specialization in psychiatric disordersits approach is generally clinical and focuses much of its analysis on the physiological issues of mental disorders.

The psychologist evaluates the patient and adapts a treatment based on the psychotherapygiving importance to the dimensions of thought, emotions and behavior. Most of the difficulties of everyday life are a matter for psychologists, such as relationship problems, work, tension, stress, insecurity or low self-esteem.

The psychiatrist, in addition to the use of psychotherapy, focuses the patient's treatment on the use of pharmacology to alleviate the symptoms that are causing the incapacitation in the person's life due to a certain psychological disorder. That is, The psychiatrist is trained to prescribe medication, while the psychologist is not.There is a group of mental illnesses for which the use of medication is necessary, for example, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or more severe cases of depression.

When there comes a time when you don't know why you suddenly feel awful and you don't have the strength to get out of bed and the next day you feel extremely euphoric and obsessed, or you feel like someone is chasing you, these are situations that fall into the pure realm of mental illness and you should therefore go to a psychiatrist.

In many cases, Psychiatric treatment is accompanied by psychotherapyIn this way, with medication we resolve the most serious and immediate symptoms while with therapy with the psychologist we work on changing behavior, we understand what is happening and how to act in the future to be independent and be able to anticipate possible crises that may arise.

If you still have doubts, you can go to a family doctor who will evaluate your situation and refer you to the professional who best suits your needs. At we offer a First free psychology sessionwhich you can try. Leave us your details and we will contact you.

Going to a psychologist offers a wide range of benefits for mental and emotional health. Without a doubt, seeking professional help is a fundamental step towards a healthier and more compassionate society.