Psychology
Psychology (from Greek: ψυχή, psukhē, "spirit, soul"; λόγος, logos, "knowledge") is both an academic and applied discipline involving the scientific study of mental processes and behavior.
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Definition
Psychologists study such phenomena as perception, cognition, emotion, personality, behavior, and interpersonal relationships. Psychology also refers to the application of such knowledge to various spheres of human activity, including issues related to daily life—e.g. family, education, and work—and the treatment of mental health problems.
Psychology is one of the behavioral sciences—a broad field that spans the social and natural sciences. Psychology attempts to understand the role human behavior plays in social dynamics while incorporating physiological and neurological processes into its conceptions of mental functioning. Psychology includes many sub-fields of study and application concerned with such areas as human development, sports, health, industry, law, and spirituality.
Difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists and psychologists are both professionals who specialize in the field of mental health, but they differ in terms of education, training, and practice.
- Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose and treat mental health disorders through a combination of therapy, medication, and other medical interventions.
- They have the authority to prescribe medications and perform medical procedures related to mental health.
- They must complete both medical school (to earn an MD) as well as a residency program in psychiatry. So it typically takes 8-10 years of postgraduate study to become a psychiatrist.
Psychologists are professionals who have advanced degrees in psychology. They are trained to diagnose and treat mental health disorders through various forms of therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoanalytic therapy, and dialectal behavior therapy.
- Psychologists cannot prescribe medications, but they often work closely with psychiatrists and other medical professionals to provide comprehensive care for their patients.
- Becoming a psychologist typically involves completing a doctoral degree in psychology (a PhD or PsyD), which can take 5-7 years of postgraduate study plus another 1-2 years of clinical training.
Overall, psychiatrists are trained in both medicine and mental health, while psychologists focus solely on mental health. Both psychologists and psychiatrists can find work in a private practice, mental health clinic, treatment facility (such as drug or alcohol rehab centers), general or psychiatric hospital, academic center, and many other settings.
Quotes
- “Anyone who has mastered dialectics and psychiatric language can formulate any nonsense without limits and then dress it up in the guise of the academic.” – Gert Uwe Postel
