Mental illness is something which we don’t often talk about. We’re likely to ignore a person with evident symptoms. We, as a society feel pride in ignoring the things which should be openly talked about. Parents do not usually develop a bonding with their children in which things like these are discussed. Even if they do somehow, they try to suppress their condition because obviously ‘this society won’t accept them’. Undoubtedly, psychiatrists. and psychologists are a blessing to this world. Their ability to handle worse situations is a blessing in disguise. Why don’t we appreciate them?. Is it even possible for any society to function without them?
Some Common Facts About Psychology:
- Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the world. It affects adults aged 18 and older. Or 18.1% of the population every year.
- Anxiety disorders are highly treatable. Yet only 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment.
- People with an anxiety disorder are three to five times more likely to go to the doctor. Six times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders than those who do not suffer from anxiety disorders.
- Anxiety disorders develop from a complex set of risk factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events.
- OCD is equally common among men and women.
The average age of onset is 19, with 25 percent of cases occurring by age 14. One third of affected adults first experienced symptoms in childhood. (Fact courtesy: https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics)
Have You Been Confused Between Psychologist And Psychiatrist? Here The Difference:
Including several differences between these two professions, here are the three main differences which can make it easier for you to identify between them:
- Psychiatrists graduate in medicine first and then specialize as psychiatrists. Whereas psychologists only graduate in Psychology and then they can further qualify if they want to.
- Because of their medical degree, psychiatrists can prescribe medication, psychologists can’t.
- Psychiatrists diagnose illness, manage treatment and provide a range of therapies for complex and serious mental illness. Psychologists focus on providing psychotherapy (talk therapy) to help patients.
There are many people out there who get psychiatrists and psychologists confused with each other. I did too, before.
Both psychiatrists and psychologists have a similarity. That is, understanding how the brain, our emotions, feelings and thoughts work. Both are capable to treat mental illness with psychological treatments (talking therapies).
However, psychiatrists are the ones who attend medical school and become doctors before becoming psychiatrists. Being doctors, psychiatrists understand the links and connections between mental and physical problems. They can also prescribe medications according to the intensity of one’s condition.
They are differentiated by some more detail, the main differences are:
- Training
- Treatments they provide
- Conditions they treat
Psychiatrists
They require at least 11 years of training to become a complete specialized doctor. They first do a medical degree and then they spend at least 1 or 2 years training as a general doctor. After that, they complete at least 5 years of training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.
Psychologists
They are psychology graduates, having at least 6 years of university training and supervised experience.
They may also hold a Masters or Doctorate level qualification in psychology. If they have a Doctorate (PhD) a psychologist can call themselves ‘Dr’, but they are not medical doctors.
Clinical psychologists have special training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.
The Common Disorders They Treat
- Anxiety disorders
- Mood disorders
- Psychotic disorders
- Eating disorders
- Impulse control and addiction disorders
- Personality disorders
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Dissociative disorders
How They Treat Patients
Psychologists and psychiatrists both play important roles in mental health treatments. They often work in collaboration with each other to provide the best possible treatment for the patients.
Patients may begin by seeing their general physician about the psychological symptoms they experience. Their doctor may then refer them to a psychologist for further evaluation. That psychologist may observe, assess, and diagnose the patient before referring them to a psychiatrist who can prescribe and monitor medications.
The approach usually depends on the severity of the symptoms and the condition of the patient. According to research, patients differ as to what is preferred psychotherapy alone or in combination with medication. Which, therefore, can affect what professionals they see.
How You Can Decide Whom To Visit
If you are confused about whether to visit a psychologist or a psychiatrist, you should talk to your general practitioner. It can also be your personal preference to decides which care provider you want to choose. Still, there are certain syndromes which are more easily treated with medication or therapy. In that case, you need to go to the person who is specialized in the relevant treatment.
Our Top Psychiatrists
1. Dr. Junaid Rasool
Dr. Junaid Rasool is a highly qualified doctor and practices as a Psychiatrist at City Clinic. He is an expert in child adolescent & adult mental health services, Addiction Psychiatry, old age Psychiatry. He treats with evidence based treatments & psychological interventions. Dr Junaid has a professional experience of 8 Years.
2. Dr. Qambar Murtaza Bokhari
Dr. Qambar Murtaza Bokhari is a highly qualified doctor. He is an MBBS graduate and an FCPS (Psych), MCPS (Psych), DPM (Pb), DPP (UK) qualified. Dr Qambar practices as a Psychiatrist at Omar Hospital & Cardiac Centre. He is a specialist in OCD, Bipolar Disorder, Psychiatric Disorders and Suicidal Tendencies Treatment. With over 25 Years of Experience.
3. Dr. Aysha Butt
Dr. Aysha Butt is a highly qualified doctor and practices as a Psychiatrist at Farooq Hospital. She is an expert in child adolescent & adult mental health services, women & reproductive mental health services, Addiction Psychiatry, old age Psychiatry. She treats with evidence based treatments & psychological interventions. Dr Ayesha has 10 Years of Professional Experience.
4. Dr. Naeem Aftab
Dr. Naeem Aftab is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry in Lahore Medical and Dental College. He privately practices at Lahore Psychiatry Clinic Hospital Gulberg. He is a specialist in Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Bipolar Disorder and Drug Addiction. Dr Naeem Is an MBBS graduate and a DIPLOMAT American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He has over 25 years of working experience
5. Dr. Aneel Shafi
Dr Aneel Shafi is a highly qualified doctor and an MBBS, FCPS graduate. He practices as a Psychiatrist at Iqra Medical Complex. Dr Aneel is a specialist in Psychotherapy, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder and OCD. He has been professionally working for 7 years now.
These doctors are a part of Marham and can be reached through our platform. You can either consult them in person or can also book an online session with them by calling at our helpline 03111222398.
Javeria Adil Chughtai
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