What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

1. 75

   Naveed Ahmed 624posted 10 years ago

   What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
   
   Who is a psychologist and a psychiatrist? What qualifications do they have and what modes of treatments do they adopt?

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2. 0

   Daniella Lopezposted 10 years ago

   A psychiatrist has been to medical school and can prescribe medication. A psychologist has been to grad school, not medical school, and cannot prescribe medication.

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   1. 71

      dashingscorpioposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Very true!

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      sheilamyersposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      That's the answer I was going to give so now I don't have to.

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   3. 68

      connorjposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      You nailed it in terms of the difference in education and authority; however, the practices are significantly different usually because of the ability to prescribe and perhaps time of service also...

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   4. 0

      Daniella Lopezposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      You are quite correct, connorj. I was simply trying to provide a very simple explanation, without going into too much detail. Both of my parents are psychologists, so I certainly understand the differences in services.

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3. 59

   MeaganFreemanposted 10 years ago

   Agree with Daniella. Perfect answer. Psychiatrists are either MD or DO physicians who can prescribe drugs. Psychologists also have Doctoral degrees (usually a PhD) but are not able to prescribe.

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4. 75

   SilentMagentaposted 10 years ago

   One can give medicine and the other can only give advice.

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