Psychology Vs Psychiatry

Psychiatry is a branch of science that focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, prognosis and interventions of mental disorders which further emphasizes on physiological and psychological aspects of the same. Moreover, psychiatrists target eliminating maladaptive behaviour and enhancing the functioning of the patient via prescribing medications and post-thorough evaluation.

Psychology is a branch of science that studies the mind and behaviour of individuals. The word psychology comes from the ancient Greek roots ‘psyche’ referring to the mind, and ‘logos’ corresponding to knowledge or study. Its core lies in evaluating the biological, social and environmental factors that contribute to the development of the disorder. Furthermore, psychologists use various approaches to therapy to aid clients in managing and coping with their mental illness. Thus, psychiatry and psychology, both aim at addressing and resolving mental health disorders, while having different intervention techniques and strategies to approach an affected individual.   

Educational backgrounds:

Psychiatrists pursue a medical education pathway, earning a medical degree followed by specialized training in psychiatry. The extensive training period encompasses several hours over 10-12 years dedicated to diagnosing, composing a prognosis of the disorder and working on effective treatment strategies of the same. Whereas, psychologists hold an undergraduate degree in either psychology or an allied field along with a postgraduate degree which is directed towards various approaches and theories and their practical application. The pinnacle of this domain is a doctoral degree in psychology which encircles research and clinical practice. 

History of Psychology:

The roots of psychology can be traced back to the ancient Greek philosophers Plato (428–347 BC) and Aristotle (384–322 BC), who are often considered some of the earliest thinkers to delve into psychological concepts. They engaged in profound debates on the nature of human knowledge, free will, and the influence of innate qualities versus learned experience, which we now refer to as the nature versus nurture debate.

Plato championed the nature side of the argument, asserting that certain forms of knowledge are inherent and present from birth. He believed that humans possess innate ideas that shape our understanding of the world, independent of experience. Aristotle, however, took a contrasting view, emphasizing the role of nurture. He proposed that individuals are born as a “tabula rasa” or blank slate, with the mind shaped entirely by experience and learning as one grows.

These early philosophical discussions laid the foundation for many of the key questions that would later be central to psychology as a scientific discipline, influencing both modern developmental theories and ongoing debates about the origins of human behaviour.

A major challenge these early philosophers faced was the lack of methods to substantiate their claims as most did not research the aforementioned topics, partly because they didn’t yet know how and partly because they doubted whether human experience could be studied objectively in laboratories. However, significant advancements occurred in the late nineteenth century in research in the field of psychology. German psychologist Wilhelm Wundt (1832–1920) established the first psychology laboratory in Leipzig, Germany, and American psychologist William James (1842–1910) founded a psychology lab at Harvard University. These developments marked the beginning of psychology as a research-based scientific discipline.

History of Psychiatry:

References to abnormal behaviour in ancient writings reveal that civilizations like the Chinese, Egyptians, Hebrews, and Greeks often attributed such behaviours to possession by a demon or a deity. If a person’s actions or speech seemed religious or mystical, they were believed to be possessed by a benevolent spirit or god. However, most possessions were thought to be caused by an angry god or malevolent spirit, reflecting divine wrath or punishment. The primary treatment for demonic possession was exorcism, which involved a range of techniques, including magic, prayers, incantations, loud noises, and unpleasant concoctions made from sheep’s dung and wine.

Hippocrates, a pioneering figure in medicine, argued that the brain was the centre of intellectual activity and attributed mental disorders to brain pathology. He classified mental illnesses into three broad categories: mania, melancholia, and phrenitis (brain fever). Hippocrates, along with the Roman physician Galen, developed the theory of the four humours, which posited that human health and temperament depended on the balance of four essential bodily fluids: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile.

By the sixteenth century, asylums—institutions dedicated to the care of the mentally ill—became more common. However, treatments during this time were harsh, designed to restore a “physical balance” in the body and brain. These aggressive techniques included the use of powerful drugs, water treatments, bloodletting, blistering, electric shocks, and physical restraints.

A shift toward more humane treatment emerged in the late eighteenth century, emphasizing kindness and compassion for the mentally ill, treating them as sick individuals rather than criminals or animals. Moral management, which addressed patients’ social, individual, and occupational needs, became widespread.

This led to the emergence of the mental hygiene movement, which prioritized the physical health and well-being of individuals in psychiatric hospitals. The movement emphasized proper medical care, nutrition, and cleanliness, aiming to improve the overall living conditions of patients. In the latter half of the twentieth century, a movement called deinstitutionalization sought to close mental hospitals and integrate mentally ill individuals back into the community, driven by the belief that more humane and holistic care could be provided outside the isolated environment of psychiatric hospitals. This shift was also supported by the success of medications developed in the 1950s to alleviate psychotic symptoms. However, as severe mental illness continues to challenge society, the role of psychiatric hospitals is likely to evolve as new solutions are sought to address these complex issues.

Psychology runs around evidence-based techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-based therapy, trauma-focused therapy and many more to address the diverse needs of the clients and work on their behavioural aspect which aids in their overall well-being. Furthermore, they use psychological assessments like projective techniques and questionnaires to assess the client’s disorder and plan the course of intervention. They cannot prescribe medications to the clients. Areas where therapy can be adopted are:

• Hospitals: Clinical psychologists work in out-patient departments, psychiatric wards
• Schools: Counsellors offer career-guidance and aid in elevating academic performance 
• Private practice: Psychologists have a private clinic which enables flexible appointments and strict confidentiality for the clients
• Community service: Interventions for addicts, youth programs and family therapy aid in the overall wellbeing of the affected.

Psychiatrists are more likely to bend towards the medicinal approaches and applying biological sciences to the intervention strategies of the patients. They also use psychotherapy as a part of their treatment plan in order to alter the irrational thoughts and maladaptive behavior into rational and positive ones. Moreover, they arrive at the diagnosis via medical tests and psychological assessments. They work in psychiatric wards, emergency departments, in-patient and out-patient departments or even have a private practice. Psychiatry department has various specializations like:

• Addiction: Substance-use disorders
• Child and adolescent: ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and ASD (Autism spectrum disorder)
• Geriatric: Dementia, delirium, depression, chronic pain

Psychiatrists and psychologists often collaborate to provide clients with a comprehensive, holistic approach to mental health care, combining behavioural interventions with pharmacological treatments to alleviate symptoms of mental illness. Psychiatrists may refer clients to psychologists or therapists when they are resistant to medication or when treatment is more appropriate. Likewise, psychologists may recommend that clients consult a psychiatrist for medication when therapeutic interventions alone are insufficient. One of the most effective approaches is a combination of psychotherapy and medication, which helps treat the disorder and prevent its worsening.