According to the World Health Organization (WHO), they are “generally characterized by a combination of abnormal thoughts, perceptions, emotions, behavior and relationships with others.”
How do I know if I have one?
Do you struggle with mood swings or motivation to get things done? Do you often feel down or overwhelmed with life? Have you ever felt paralyzed when faced with a decision, and you couldn’t get past it? While some mental health conditions have obvious signs and symptoms, others may not. Some can present in ways that aren’t typical. If you think you might have a mental health issue, it’s best to meet with your doctor and discuss your symptoms. However, even if you don’t have an official “disorder,” symptoms of depression and anxiety can be caused by temporary situations in our lives, and they can and should be treated by a medical professional until the situation has resolved.
Who treats mental health issues?
A primary care doctor may treat the initial symptoms of depression or anxiety. However, if the symptoms persist or your doctor (or you) think they may be pointing to a deeper issue, being evaluated by a psychologist or psychiatrist is the crucial next step.
Should I see a psychiatrist or a psychologist?
While we tend to use terms like “psychiatrist” and “psychologist” interchangeably in casual conversation, they’re different professions with very different educational requirements as well as licensing qualifications (which vary state to state).
Education
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who, after completing medical school and becoming a doctor (MD), chooses to specialize in psychiatry during their four-year post-graduate training. A psychologist has pursued extensive academic education to complete a doctorate degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology. “Right to Prescribe”. In most states, only medical doctors have the “right to prescribe.” While your GP or primary care doctor may be willing to prescribe medication to treat mental health issues temporarily, they’ll typically refer you to a psychiatrist for further diagnosis and treatment. You can also choose to see a psychiatrist on your own or request a referral to one from your regular doctor. (You should, however, check with your health insurance to see what is covered/required.) Your psychologist or mental health counselor also may suggest you see a psychiatrist, and they’ll work together with them to find the right balance of medication and therapeutic interventions for your treatment.
Services Offered
Historically, psychiatrists have been focused on diagnosing mental health conditions, developing treatment plans, and prescribing medication. They may work at hospitals or treatment centers that offer in-patient care, or they may work at out-patient clinics or have private practices. However, they can also offer psychotherapy and other mental health services.
Comparatively, psychologists can diagnose and develop treatment plans for mental health conditions, but most cannot prescribe medications. They may work in conjunction with a psychiatrist or other healthcare provider. They usually offer psychotherapy using approaches like psychodynamic, humanistic, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to name only a few.
Both professions use psychological assessment and diagnostic tools to diagnose mental health conditions and rely on the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).