Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Psychologist vs Psychiatrist?

A very common question, this is posed to me, at least once a month if not more, ever since I got into the field.

The difference is basic.

Psychiatrists prescribe medication and are able to perform surgeries if needed. And in order to do that, they require a degree in medicine. This is a plain explanation in layman's terms. And when people hear this, they usually say, "Oh that means all that you (psychologists) do is talk! And you are not a real doctor". Never said I was. The Ph.D makes me a false doctor.

In the beginning, I was patient (no pun intended) enough to explain that the talking that they think happens in there is not really saying "I understand" at the end of every sentence that the client utters. There are techniques to it, there are certain theories to be followed, some systems and protocols in place, and not just a blah blah session. Oh well, these days, I only heave out huge sighs of frustration in my head and manage to control all my aggressive instincts.

Ok ya..so basically, psychiatrists prescribe and we talk, or rather listen.

Contrary to popular notion, there are no couches in there, no one is lying down, no one is being hypnotized, and no one is reading the other's mind. This used to happen centuries ago. Not anymore.

After this conversation follows a burst of laughter, giggles, guffaws, and one sentence,

"I am going to be your first patient". This seems to be a much coveted position. THE FIRST PATIENT.

Sorry my friend, that privilege has been given to someone else. You see, I have had several "first patient" offers already. Sadly, I also had my first patient several years ago. Better luck next time!

22 comments:

Pri said...

well psychiatrists get a lot of that too believe me...
most people are just too scared that they might read their mind...have heard stories from my seniors on that one :D
must be fun though....
ur in a challenging profession...
its much tougher to listen and understand than just treat...

Anonymous said...

*blinks..
can I be your first patient.. i think I have some problems and I need to check my craziness levels too!

:)

i dnt really understand how u listen to ALL those problems and still maintain your sanity levels at normal!! I wuold go crazy in a day.. but then thats y I am not what yu r .. and yu r not what I am!

:D

Anonymous said...

i just noticed yu dnt have comment moderation on tis blog :)

:D

Solitaire said...

@ Pri, thanks! I was sure that you would understand and would have some precious words of wisdom to share with us. What is your specialization area?

@ Veens, future posts will reveal how I handle these things!

IncorrigibleV said...

hmmm i didnt know that...thanks for enlightenin me sneha :)
oh and can i please mention the font color on ur blog i mean the dull orange on black is kinda not readable ...can u make it a tad bit brighter??

RADhika said...

though i already knew this, but very well differentiated!!

in fact, we hire psychologists for our college for the counsceling of our students for their electives, future plans, stress management ect, through 16 PH..

and we haven't yet had a chance to have a psychiatrist! :D

And a very good bloG!

Lena said...

you know it is like people live in 16th century and are afraid of some tricks you might use against them. And no matter what you say they are not going to believe you as they have a clear picture in their heads of what magic you as a psycholigist can create!

radiohead said...

well evry profession seems a peice of cake to ppl from the outside or rock hard .. n incidentally people are not vry happy with their wrk so thy have to go to the psychiatrists :D ..

nd human in itself is a complicated being, one knws not well whats goes in his mind and why .. n u as a doc have to figure out the exact problm tht the poor chap is facing .. psychologically .. and try to help that stubborn mind ..

its tough frsure!!
Its nt a big deal being the first patient .. basically the no doesnt matter .. i jus wonder n ask .. 'would u treat me' .. hehe :D

Deepti said...

Hey, nice post :)
I had no clue too !! and can I be your patient?

Sreerama said...

hmm.. ok.. here s a question...being a psychologist.. do you tend to look at normal things in a different way? like a relationship for instance...is it not an advantage?

PS: Am Alive once again!! :D

Unknown said...

thanks di.. i really dont now the diff.. very informative.. :)

Pavi!!!! said...

ohhhh... (meaning ..Now I get it!)

Thanks a bunch for answering the Q.

I feel people in this profession would generally read into things rather than take 'em at face value.Is that true?Like Sreerama has mentioned coz of ur profession u would have a different way of looking at things generally rite?

Also..is there any set guideline as to when a person should visit a psychologist VS when they should visit a psychiatrist?

n finally... Are their fields of specialization in psychology as well?

Sam said...

Being a psychologist is not easy. I'm quite aware of this profession as such and I dare say, I'm at times surprised as to how much they can absorb!!! wonder dont they go mad??

rayshma said...

u know, i wiki'd this a couple of months back... i was getting confused between the two! :D
that sed, i prefer anybody who can't prescribe drugs! :D i perceive it so much more difficult to heal someone without medications....

Solitaire said...

@ Vandita, thank you. How do you like the new color now? I have been trying to find the right color but so far its not worked out! Lemme know.

@ Radhika, thank you!! It is amazing to hear that these things are now being introduced in india with eagerness. Keep it up!

@ Lena, true true. Very true.

@ Anuj, thank you for acknowledging that it is a tough job no matter how easy it sounds to the outside world. It is not a piece of cake.

Solitaire said...

@ Deepti, No you cannot and you will find out why in the next few blogs.:)

@ Sreerama, yes and no. And more details in the next few blogs!

@ Gaurav, thank you! for coming back again and again and leaving your valuable comments.

@ Pavi, slow down! This gives me food for thought for the next few posts! :) Be patient, your questions will be answered.

Solitaire said...

@ Sam, I am really at that point where I think I might go mad. But i will survive!

@ Rayshma, good!! Go to a psychologist first, then a psychiatrist!

Pavi!!!! said...

@ Solitare... OOpps...sorrieeeeee , I din't realize I was shooting Qs at u @ that rate until u mentioned it!!
I'm just curious!
Will keep a check on my Qs. n will take the credit for providing u some ideas ;-)

n yeah...I have a feeling this blog is gonna be my fav among all of ur blogs :-) M waiting for ur next post.

Keshi said...

I think I need both of them in my life right now. :)

Keshi.

Sam said...

No, I mean seriously. Talking to people helping them understand things and at times providing them with that gentle prod whch they need to get going again. It does drain you. To know different story, diferent lives...and yet have to stay as detached as possible to do the best possible!!! I must its a tough job!!
In case you wonder, I went to one for 3 long years!! :)

ceedy said...

how long have you been working?

you will become completly indifferent after a while

gP said...

hey where did my comment go?!