What is the Difference Between Psychologists and Psychiatrists?
As part of postpartum depression treatment, seeking therapy from a mental health professional may be necessary. Generally speaking, two types of mental health professionals can provide therapy for women suffering from postpartum depression: a psychologist and a psychiatrist.
These differences are in their educational backgrounds and how they treat mental health issues. Additionally, there are other important differences in the limits and abilities of each profession when offering treatment for postpartum depression.
Psychologist
A psychologist is a mental health professional that provides therapy to their patients from a behavioral intervention standpoint. They are not trained medical doctors but rather experts in restoring emotional and mental well-being by assessing possible causes of suffering. Psychologists can do this through several methods and treatment approaches specific to the patient’s needs.
Education
Psychologists attend post-secondary education and must obtain a doctoral degree in psychology (PsyD) or philosophy (PhD). Becoming a psychologist may take four to six years of education.
In school, psychology students study various topics, including behavior, personality development, and the history of psychological conditions. They also focus on the scientific approach to psychological research. During their doctoral program, students may conduct research, teach psychology classes, or work in clinical settings.
Psychology students can pursue a variety of specializations, including counseling or clinical psychology. Year-long or two-year internships allow psychology students to develop their skills in treatment methods, psychological analysis and testing, psychological theory, and behavioral therapy.
Upon finishing school, psychologists must complete practical work experience with authorized mental health professionals to get licensed.
Treatment Approach
A psychologist approaches the treatment of mental health conditions from a behavioral standpoint. A psychologist examines patterns of behavior that affect a person’s mental and emotional state.
Psychologists are trained to test and analyze their patients to determine the best treatment course. Psychologists provide different therapies depending on the person and type of mental illness they are suffering from.
Psychologists can also work with other professionals, such as psychiatrists, to recommend medications and/or counseling to help with psychotherapy.
Involvement in Treating Postpartum Depression
When treating postpartum depression, psychologists will look at the woman’s symptoms and behavior patterns. They will also help her to notice these symptoms in herself.
From there, psychologists work with their patients to develop coping skills and recognize emotional triggers. This helps patients to minimize postpartum depression symptoms like anxiety and irritability on their own.
Psychologists will use different therapies to treat patients. Cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy are used in milder cases of postpartum depression, while eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) therapy works better in severe cases. These therapy options are designed to help women identify destructive thought patterns and prevent them from worsening, as these patterns bring on distress and anxiety.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a mental health professional that provides therapy to their patients from a neurological and biological standpoint. Psychiatrists are trained medical doctors, so their treatment focuses on medication management. Psychiatrists are also trained in many other psychological and social components of mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders.
Education
To become a psychiatrist, a person must have obtained an undergraduate degree in science and an M.D. in general medicine. After graduating with an M.D., they go on to complete a four-year residency in psychiatry.
During residency, psychiatrists typically treat people of all ages who are suffering from mental illnesses. They mainly focus on severe mental illnesses requiring prescription medication and psychotherapy treatment.
After completing residency, psychiatrists then must pass a licensing exam to become accredited and legally practice psychiatry.
Treatment Approach
Because psychiatrists are trained medical doctors, they must distinguish between clinical mental illness and other potential conditions that cause psychological issues.
From there, psychiatrists diagnose and recommend treatment for the patient. Treatment may involve a combination of medications and psychotherapy. Psychiatrists may refer their patients to other mental health professionals to provide counseling and therapy.
Psychiatrists also monitor ongoing physical conditions that may coincide with mental illnesses, such as functions of the kidneys, liver and other organs, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Involvement in Treating Postpartum Depression
Psychiatrists help to treat postpartum depression by assessing symptoms and making a diagnosis. Psychiatrists will often prescribe medications like antidepressants to help mitigate symptoms and improve well-being. Psychiatrists also may provide treatment through psychotherapy and counseling.
Psychiatrists closely monitor their patient’s progress and adjust the treatment course as needed. This includes changing postpartum depression medications if necessary.
While psychologists and psychiatrists are different in their approaches to mental health, they can both provide valuable treatment options for women suffering from postpartum depression.
