DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PSYCHOLOGIST AND PSYCHIATRIST

Who is a Psychologist? Who is a Psychiatrist?

A psychologist is a professional who practices psychology A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose and treat
and studies mental states, perceptual, cognitive, emotional, mental health conditions. They can prescribe medications and
and social processes and behavior. other medical treatments.
What do Psychologists study about? What do Psychiatrists study about?
They study psychology which is the study of the mind They study psychiatry which is the field of medicine focused
and behavior. on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.

How to become a Psychologist? How to become a Psychiatrist?

•12 th class in any discipline from a recognized board. •12th class from the stream of science with biology.
•Complete graduation such as BA or B.Sc in Psychology •MBBS degree
•MA
•Residency Program.
or M.Sc in Psychology.
•MD in Psychiatry: A 3-year Doctor of Medicine program in
•Experience through internships and fieldwork. Psychiatry or
•Registeringwith a Professional Body like Rehabilitation •DNB in Psychiatry: A 3-year Diplomate of National Board
Council of India is mandatory for practicing Clinical program
Psychology •Register with the Medical Council
•IndianAssociation of Clinical Psychologists (IACP): •Optional Fellowship and Specialization
provide networking opportunities and resources.
When to consult a Psychologist? When to consult a Psychiatrist?
•Uncontrollable outbursts of anger.
•Difficulty concentrating or focusing on
•Social withdrawal or isolation.
tasks.
• Severe Depression
•Persistent Feelings of Sadness or Depression
•Bipolar Disorder
•Anxiety and Excessive Worry
•Anxiety Disorders
•Trauma and Grief •Psychotic Symptoms
•Behavioral Changes •Suicidal Thoughts or Self-Harm
•Relationship Issues •Substance Abuse
•Stress Management •Eating Disorders
•Self-Esteem Issues •Severe Insomnia
•Life Transitions •Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

•Health-Related Issues •Medication Management

•Desire
•Complex Mental Health Issues
for Personal Growth
Types of Psychologists Types of Psychiatrists
•Clinical •Cognitive Psychologists •Addiction Psychiatry
neuropsychologists. •Comparative Psychologists •Adolescent and Child Psychiatry
•Clinical psychologists. •Consumer Psychologists •Forensic Psychiatry
•Community
•Engineering Psychologists •Geriatric Psychiatry
psychologists.
•
•Counseling psychologists. Environmental Psychologists •Neuropsychiatry
•Educational and •Industrial-Organizational •Occupational Psychiatry (or Organizational
developmental Psychologists Psychiatry)
psychologists.
•Military Psychologists •Psychosomatic Medicine
•Forensic psychologists.
•Personality Psychologists •Young adult psychiatry
•Health psychologists.
•School Psychologists •Prenatal psychiatry
•Aviation Psychologists
•Bio-psychologists
•Social Psychologists •Geriatric psychiatry
What to expect from a Psychologist? What to expect from a Psychiatrist?
•Personal History, Current Symptoms and Life Context. •Medical History, Symptom Discussion, Family History,
•Assessment Tools: standardized assessment tools or
Lifestyle and Habits
questionnaires to better understand your mental health status and •Mental Status Examination: Mental status examination
specific issues. •Formulating a Diagnosis: Based on the initial assessment, the
•Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
psychiatrist will work to diagnose any mental health conditions
you may have. This diagnosis can help guide your treatment
•Goals Setting plan.
•Frequency and Duration •Treatment Planning
•Medication, Therapy, Lifestyle Modifications
•Structured Sessions: Each therapy session typically lasts about
•Collaborative Approach: Treatment planning is usually a
45-60 minutes discussing current issues, exploring thoughts and
feelings, and working on specific therapeutic exercises or
collaborative process where your preferences and concerns are
strategies. taken into account. Feel free to ask questions and discuss any
reservations you have about the proposed treatments.
•Homework Assignments
•Follow-Up Appointments
•Progress Monitoring •Regular Monitoring about Medication Management and
•Skill Development: You’ll learn and practice coping skills,
Progress Assessment
emotional regulation techniques, and problem-solving strategies to •Ongoing Care
manage your symptoms and improve your mental health. •Therapeutic Support
•Crisis Intervention
•Confidentiality and Trust
•Confidentiality and Communication, Building a Therapeutic
•Additional Support, Crisis Management, Referrals and Relationship Trust and Comfort
Collaboration
 Scope in India and abroad for a Psychologist and a
Psychiatrist
.
According to U.S. News and World
Report, out of 100 best careers with
decent salary, child psychology stood
at 31 rank.

According to the U.S. Bureau of

Labor Statistics (BLS), the job
prospects for psychologists grew by
19 per cent between 2014 and 2024.
 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY
What is Counseling? What is Psychotherapy?
Counseling is a professional service provided by counselors, who Psychotherapy is a treatment method used by mental health
help clients navigate personal challenges, emotional issues, and professionals to help individuals understand and manage their
life transitions. mental health issues, emotional challenges, and behavioral
Types of Counseling problems. It involves structured conversations between a
therapist and client.
Individual Counseling: One-on-one sessions between a
counselor and a client, focusing on the individual's unique Types of Psychotherapy
concerns, goals, and needs. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying
Couples Counseling: Also known as marriage or and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
relationship counseling, this type of counseling involves a Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores unconscious processes and
counselor working with couples to address relationship past experiences that influence current behavior.
issues, improve communication, and strengthen their bond. Humanistic Therapy: Emphasizes personal growth and self-
Family Counseling: Involves a counselor working with actualization. It focuses on the individual’s capacity for self-
family members to address conflicts, improve healing and personal development, often through techniques like
communication, and enhance family dynamics. client-centered therapy.
Group Counseling: Involves a counselor leading a group Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): A type of CBT that
of individuals with similar concerns or goals, providing specifically helps people manage intense emotions, improve
support, guidance, and opportunities for interpersonal relationships, and reduce self-destructive behaviors.
learning and growth. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Addresses interpersonal issues
and aims to improve communication skills and relationships.
 1. short-term and current 1. Long- term recurring or
issues. chronic issues.
2. No particular treatment manual, 2. Application of treatment guided by
less likely to be theory-driven. manuals and protocols.
3. Therapy may focus only on specific 3. Therapy may focus on a person’s
behaviors or situations. entrenched and long-held patterns of
•Prolong a healthy
thought and behavior.
life.
4. A psychological professional usually •Organized program
delivers counseling, although people, such as 4. Psychological professional.
according to
volunteers or pastoral counselors, may also
individual to 5. Therapy may focus on personal growth
offer counseling.
community needs. from an in-depth focus on core issues.
5. May deal with functioning individuals •Confidential and
who are experiencing difficulties in their establishes rapport. 6. Therapy may use experiences and feelings
current situation.
as the basis.
6. Therapy may focus on behaviors and actions.
7. Therapy may focus on support, 7. Therapy may focus on a psychological
guidance, and problem-solving for current disorder or problem with psychological
issues. functioning.
DEPRESSION
IN
ADOLESCENTS
 Sadness Clinical Depression
Definition: Clinical depression (MDD), is a mental health
Definition: It’s a natural, temporary emotional
condition characterized by persistent and intense feelings
response to specific events or circumstances. It's of sadness and other emotional and physical symptoms.
a normal part of the human experience. Duration: Symptoms of clinical depression last for at least
Duration: Sadness is usually short-term. It two weeks but can persist for months or even years if
typically resolves on its own as the situation untreated.
changes or over time. Intensity: The intensity of symptoms is often severe and
Intensity: The intensity of sadness can vary but it can significantly impair an individual's ability to function
is usually proportional to the triggering event. in daily life.
Causes: Common causes like loss, Causes: include genetic, biological, environmental, and
disappointment, frustration. psychological factors.
Functionality: Despite feeling sad, individuals Functionality: Impacts one's ability to perform daily tasks,
can generally continue with their daily activities maintain relationships, and function at work or school.
and responsibilities. Resolution: Clinical depression usually requires treatment,
Resolution: Sadness usually resolves without which may include psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle
medical intervention as the person adjusts to the changes, and support from healthcare providers. It doesn't
situation or as circumstances change. typically resolve on its own and can worsen without
treatment.
Symptoms: Feelings of sorrow, crying, a sense of loss, or Symptoms: Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
temporary disinterest in activities. • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Significant changes in appetite or weight
• Insomnia or excessive sleeping
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making
decisions
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

Environmental stressor which leads to depression in adolescents

• Peer Pressure •Substance Use Disorders
• Academic Stress • Abuse
• Family Issues • Physical or emotional trauma
• Bullying • Obesity
• Social Media • Developmental or learning disabilities
Symptoms of clinical depression in adolescence.
Symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, but to be diagnosed with clinical depression, a person
typically experiences several of the following symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two
weeks:
Mood Changes:
• Persistent sadness or feeling down. Physical Changes:
• Irritability or anger outbursts. • Unexplained aches and pains.
• Frequent crying. • Fatigue or lack of energy.
Cognitive Changes: • Restlessness or agitation.
• Difficulty concentrating. Emotional Changes:
• Indecisiveness. • Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.
• Memory problems. • Excessive guilt.
• Negative or critical thoughts about oneself. • Sensitivity to rejection or failure.
Behavioral Changes: • Thoughts of death or suicide.
• Withdrawal from friends and family.
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.
• Decline in school performance.
• Changes in sleeping patterns (insomnia or excessive sleeping).
• Changes in appetite or weight (increase or decrease).
What are the mental illness which leads to depression too in adolescence?
Anxiety Disorders:
Chronic anxiety can lead to persistent worry, fear, and stress, which can drain an adolescent's emotional
resources and lead to depression.
Eating Disorders:
The stress and emotional turmoil associated with body image issues and eating behaviors can result in feelings
of hopelessness and low self-esteem, contributing to depression.
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
The challenges associated with ADHD, such as difficulties in school, social relationships, and self-regulation,
can lead to frustration and feelings of inadequacy, contributing to depression.
PTSD:
Traumatic experiences can lead to persistent fear, anxiety, and intrusive memories, which can cause depression.
Bipolar Disorder:
The extreme mood swings in bipolar disorder, especially the depressive episodes, can lead to prolonged periods
of severe depression.
OCD (Obsessive-compulsive disorder)
The distress and impairment caused by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors can lead to feelings of
helplessness and depression.
Some cognitive and behavioral skills to come out of depression in
adolescence
Recognizing and Challenging Negative Thoughts:
Building Problem-Solving Skills:
• Break down problems into manageable parts.
• Develop and evaluate potential solutions.
• Implement the best solution and review its effectiveness.
Improving Communication Skills:
Increasing Engagement in Enjoyable Activities:
Developing Healthy Habits:
Setting Realistic Goals
Building Support Networks:
• Connect with supportive friends, family, or mentors.
• Seek professional help if needed.
Activities like Yoga, Dance, Hiking, etc.
Therapies which would help in treating clinical depression in adolescence
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps adolescents identify and challenge negative
thought patterns and behaviors, and replace them with more positive and constructive ones.
Effectiveness: It is one of the most widely used and researched therapies for depression, showing
significant efficacy in reducing symptoms and preventing relapse.
2. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): IPT focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and social
functioning to help reduce depressive symptoms. It addresses issues such as grief, role disputes,
role transitions, and interpersonal deficits.
Effectiveness: IPT has been found effective for adolescents, particularly those whose depression
is linked to relationship issues.
3. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Originally developed for borderline personality
disorder, DBT combines CBT techniques with mindfulness and distress tolerance skills. It focuses
on building skills in emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and crisis management.
Effectiveness: DBT is beneficial for adolescents with severe emotional dysregulation and suicidal
behaviors.
4. Family Therapy
Effectiveness: It can be particularly useful in cases where family dynamics contribute to the
adolescent's depression.
5. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): MBCT combines cognitive therapy with
mindfulness practices. It helps adolescents become more aware of their thoughts and feelings
in a non-judgmental way, which can reduce rumination and depressive symptoms.
Effectiveness: MBCT has been shown to be effective in preventing relapse in individuals with
recurrent depression.
6. Behavioral Activation (BA): Behavior therapy for treating mood disorders . BA focuses on
increasing engagement in meaningful and enjoyable activities to counteract the lethargy and
withdrawal often associated with depression.
Effectiveness: It helps adolescents to develop a sense of accomplishment and improve their
mood through positive reinforcement of healthy behaviors.
7. Pharmacotherapy: Medication is often used in conjunction with therapy.
Effectiveness: Medication can be effective, particularly for moderate to severe depression, but
it requires careful monitoring by a healthcare provider.
8. Art and Music Therapy: These therapies use creative expression as a therapeutic tool to
help adolescents explore their emotions, reduce stress, and improve mental health.
Effectiveness: They can be particularly beneficial for adolescents who have difficulty
verbalizing their thoughts and feelings.
12. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): TMS is a non-invasive procedure that
uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain associated with mood regulation.
Effectiveness: It is typically considered when other treatments have not been effective and
is approved for use in adolescents in some cases.
Age of onset of depression starts going on.
The age of onset for depression often begins during adolescence. During adolescence, various factors such as
hormonal changes, developmental challenges, and social pressures can contribute to the onset of depression. The brain
undergoes significant development during this period, and neurotransmitter systems, including serotonin, play a
crucial role in mood regulation. Imbalances in serotonin levels can therefore have a profound impact on mental health
during adolescence, potentially leading to clinical depression.
Role of caretaker when individual going through depression in adolescence.
•Providing Emotional Support: Non-judgmental and empathetic environment.
•Monitoring and Encouraging Treatment: Encourage the adolescent to seek professional help if needed, such
as therapy or medication. They can help manage appointments and monitor the adherence to prescribed
treatments.
•Creating a Supportive Environment: Ensuring a stable and supportive home environment can alleviate
stressors that might exacerbate depressive symptoms. This includes fostering open communication and
providing consistent routines.
•Educating Themselves
•Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Choices
•Being Patient and Understanding
•Seeking Support for Themselves
Which neurotransmitter affecting human brain during clinical
depression in adolescence
• Extra amounts of cortisol
• Neuron growth in the hippocampus can slow down
• Enlarges the Amygdala

A relationship appears to exist between the 3 main monoamine neurotransmitters in

the brain i.e.,

•Dopamine

•Norepinephrine

•Serotonin: [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] dysfunction majorly causes depression.