AP PSYCHOLOGY

PSYCHOLOGYS HISTORY APPROACHES

CONTEMPORARY APPROACHES AND PSYCHOANALYSIS

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
What is the main difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
A
A psychologist must obtain a doctoral degree
B
A psychiatrist can prescribe medications
C
A psychologist can prescribe medications but a psychiatrist cannot
D
A psychiatrist is only interested in psychoanalysis.
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Ans. A psychologist is a trained mental health professional who has completed a PhD. This is where the difference between psychiatrist and psychologist lies. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication while a psychologist focuses on the therapeutic approach to recovery.

Detailed explanation-2: -The three main differences between psychiatrists and psychologists are: Psychiatrists are medical doctors, psychologists are not. Psychiatrists prescribe medication, psychologists can’t. Psychiatrists diagnose illness, manage treatment and provide a range of therapies for complex and serious mental illness.

Detailed explanation-3: -The most significant difference between the two fields is that a psychiatrist is a medical doctor and can prescribe medication. While psychologists typically hold doctorate degrees, they do not attend medical school and are not medical doctors.

Detailed explanation-4: -A psychologist does not hold a medical degree and is mainly into academic and research fields. A psychiatrist holds a medical degree and he/she can use medical treatment to cure the patients.

Detailed explanation-5: -A Clinical Psychologist, however, focuses on how humans think, behave and feel. He/she is an expert in human behaviour, but is not a physician. Hence, he/she cannot prescribe medicines.

There is 1 question to complete.