Question 1

how come there is no general health doctor that is not allowed to prescribe prescriptions? like how there are psychiatrists (allowed to prescribe prescriptions) and psychologists (not allowed to prescribe prescriptions)?

Accepted Answer

Psychiatrists : Psychiatrists have gone to medical school just like surgeons and family practice doctors.  That education has given them the knowledge of physiology and pharmacology needed to safely prescribe medications.  Psychologists have not gone to medical school.  They typically have a college degree in psychology - possibly a master's or phd, but do not have a medical degree and so cannot legally prescribe medications.

Question 2

psychologist wants me on antidepressant. will gp prescribe or will i need to see psychiatrist?

Accepted Answer

Ask your doctor: Shirley, most primary care MDs (GPs) in the U.S. will prescribe an initial dose of an antidepressant, often an SSRI medication, to their patients on the recommendation of a mental health professional.  I don't know what the regulations are in the Great Britain health system.  Call your GPs office and ask them.  If you need to see a psychiatrist, ask your psychologist to refer you to one. Good luck

Question 3

what are the warning signs of when you need more than a psychologist when a doctor can prescrib, does it work by having psychologist and psychiatrist ?

Accepted Answer

Little improvement: When you are not getting better, you need to question the quality of the relationship with your therapist and if your therapist is helping you to achieve goals. Also frequently medication plus therapy is needed.

Question 4

how would seeing a psychologist be different from seeing a psychiatrist?

Accepted Answer

Psychiatrists are MD: After graduating college &  graduating a 4 years medical school, one obtains a md degree.Psychiatry is subspecialty of medicine. The md completes another 4 years in a psychiatric training program.  A psychologist is not a md, gets postgraduate degrees from univerisity & become specialized with important skills. Psychiatrists & psychologists should work together but are in conflict. What a shame.

Question 5

i have depression about 10 years ago,i have often gone to psychologists+psychiatrists but the problem persists.i don't wanna live. what else can i try?

Accepted Answer

See below: I"m sorry you're going through this. Look at things that worked in the past. Discuss your treatment impasse with the providers to help you figure out issues that might be causing your feelings. If you're having thoughts of self-harm that are overwhelming, go to the nearest emergency room or dial 911. National suicide prevention hotline 1-800-273-talk. Good luck

Question 6

what is the likelihood for me to be both a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Accepted Answer

Possible and good: Many people work with a psychologist for therapy and a psychiatrist for medication management. I think it's a good idea. Take care, .

Question 7

who would be better at diagnosing a mental condition: a psychologist or psychiatrist?

Accepted Answer

Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist is a medical doctor while a psychologist is not. As a result they can more accurately review medical conditions that contribute or underly emotional illness. They can order labs, x-rays, specific neurological tests, and carefully consider the role of medications in symptom presentation. They can also perform physical examinations. Importantly, they can knowledgably prescibe meds.

Question 8

if i want to change behavior, why can't i get insurance to cover psychologist and not just psychiatrist or drugs?

Accepted Answer

Do it anyway!: That's unfortunate! but, here's what i think:  do not let insurance companies dictate how to take care of yourself; if u feel that talking to someone (as in being in therapy) is what u need to do, then do so.  Many therapists have a sliding scale or different payment options; u could arrange to meet with them weekly or every other week. It is your life! take charge. (+it's more private!).

Question 9

why do some psychiatrists and psychologists recommend that you dont quit smoking while quitting other substances? when it can cause relapses

Accepted Answer

Addiction: This is because both are addictions and trying to get off both may not be helpful as the relapse is much high and the effort greater.

Question 10

how are psychologists and psychiatrists different?

Accepted Answer

Training, experience: Psychiatrists are physicians who have graduated from 4 years of medical school with an md or do degree; they then serve 4 year residencies that cover general medical services plus psychiatry in training.  Psychologists enter professional training programs after college; a master's level requires 2 years' graduate work.  A phd level generally requires 3-5 years' graduate study & a dissertation.

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Doctor answers about:

Psychiatrist vs psychologist who can prescribe

A member asked:

How come there is no general health doctor that is not allowed to prescribe prescriptions? like how there are psychiatrists (allowed to prescribe prescriptions) and psychologists (not allowed to prescribe prescriptions)?

A member asked:

Psychologist wants me on antidepressant. will gp prescribe or will i need to see psychiatrist?

A member asked:

What are the warning signs of when you need more than a psychologist when a doctor can prescrib, does it work by having psychologist and psychiatrist ?

A member asked:

How would seeing a psychologist be different from seeing a psychiatrist?

A member asked:

I have depression about 10 years ago,i have often gone to psychologists+psychiatrists but the problem persists.i don't wanna live. what else can i try?

A member asked:

What is the likelihood for me to be both a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

A member asked:

Who would be better at diagnosing a mental condition: a psychologist or psychiatrist?

A member asked:

If i want to change behavior, why can't i get insurance to cover psychologist and not just psychiatrist or drugs?

A member asked:

Why do some psychiatrists and psychologists recommend that you dont quit smoking while quitting other substances? when it can cause relapses

A member asked:

How are psychologists and psychiatrists different?

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