Psychiatry is a field of medicine that is focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental disorders like bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, dementia, autism, and obsessive-compulsive disorders, etc. So, physicians who are specialized in Psychiatry are called Psychiatrists.
A 5-year medical degree [MBBS] that is recognized by the General Medical Council and a 2-year foundation course of general training are the basic requirements for an individual to be a doctor. However, the following are the specialties or extra qualifications required to be a Psychiatrist:
Psychologists and Psychiatrists differ greatly in terms of education and the action of treatment. Psychiatrists are trained medical doctors and they can prescribe medication and spend much of the time in medication treatment and the course of treatment. As Psychiatrists attend medical school and get trained under general medicine. After MD, they practice for 4 years of residency in Psychiatry. Whereas, psychologists focus entirely on psychotherapy and treating emotional and mental suffering in the patients and behavioral intervention. Psychologists obtain a Ph.D. or PsyD doctoral degree of 4-6 years. Psychologists, throughout their study, focus on the history and science of psychological problems.
If an individual is suffering from any of the following mental disorders or medical condition, then he/she must consult a Psychiatrist:
Depression is a mental health disorder that causes a loss of interest in activities and may lead to impairing daily life. This disorder can be treated and cured by a Psychiatrist with proper medications, counseling, and lifestyle modifications.
Yes, Psychiatrists can counsel their patients and can prescribe medications in order to treat or cure mental disorders.