What is the difference
between psychiatry and psychology?
Psychiatry and psychology
are disciplines related to mental health,
but they differ in training,
approach, and the treatments they offer:
Psychology
Training:
A psychologist studies
a bachelor's degree in psychology and,
if they specialize in mental health,
can pursue a master's or doctorate
in clinical, educational,
organizational, and other areas.
Approach:
Focuses on the study
of human behavior, mental processes,
emotions, and conduct.
Treatments:
Primarily uses psychological
therapy or psychotherapy
(such as cognitive-behavioral therapy,
psychoanalysis, etc.).
They cannot prescribe medication.
Psychiatry
Training:
A psychiatrist is a medical
doctor who first studies medicine
and then specializes in psychiatry.
Approach:
Addresses mental disorders
from a biopsychosocial perspective:
biological, psychological, and social.
Treatments:
Can use psychotropic medications
(antidepressants, anxiolytics,
antipsychotics, etc.),
in addition to psychotherapy if trained.
Can prescribe medications.
is medication necessary?
In the context of mental health,
medication may be necessary in several cases,
depending on the diagnosis,
the severity of symptoms, and the patient's
response to other forms
of treatment (such as psychotherapy).
Below are some of the most common
cases in which medication is often indicated:
1. Mood disorders.
Major depression:
when symptoms are severe, persistent,
or do not improve with therapy alone.
Bipolar disorder: mood stabilizers,
antipsychotics, or antidepressants
are often used (with caution).
2. Anxiety disorders.
Generalized anxiety disorder,
panic disorder, social phobia,
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD):
if symptoms significantly interfere with daily
life or do not respond
to cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Anxiolytics (such as benzodiazepines,
short-term) or antidepressants
(SSRIs, long-term) are often used.
3. Psychotic disorders.
Schizophrenia,
schizoaffective disorder,
delusional disorder: almost always require
treatment with antipsychotics to control
hallucinations, delusions,
or disorganized thinking.
4. Neurocognitive
or developmental disorders.
ADHD
(Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder):
Medication (such as stimulants)
is indicated in many cases, especially
when it affects academic
or social performance.
Autism:
In some cases, medications are used
to treat associated symptoms such
as irritability, anxiety, or hyperactivity.
5. Eating disorders.
In cases of bulimia nervosa
or binge eating disorder,
antidepressants may be used.
In anorexia, their use is more
limited, but they can be helpful
for comorbidities such
as depression or anxiety.
6. Post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD).
Sometimes, antidepressants
or other medications are required
to manage symptoms of intrusion,
hypervigilance, or insomnia.
7. Emergency or crisis cases.
When there is a risk of suicide, aggression,
acute psychosis, or severe agitation,
immediate and temporary medication
may be prescribed
to stabilize the patient.
8. Comorbidities.
When more than one disorder
is present at the same time
(e.g., depression and anxiety), medication
can be key to improving the prognosis.
Is medication addictive?
Psychiatric medication can be
addictive in some cases, but not all psychiatric
medication is. It depends on the type of drug,
its mechanism of action, and how it is used.
Here are the main types:
Medications
with addictive potential:
Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam,
lorazepam, alprazolam):
Used for anxiety or insomnia.
They can cause dependence,
especially if used long-term or unsupervised.
Abrupt withdrawal can cause
withdrawal symptoms.
Stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate,
amphetamines for ADHD):
They can have abuse potential,
especially if used in high doses
or without a prescription.
In patients with ADHD under medical
supervision, the risk of addiction is low.
Medications with low
or no risk of addiction:
Antidepressants
(e.g., sertraline, fluoxetine, escitalopram):
They are not addictive in the classic sense.
However, they can cause withdrawal
symptoms if stopped abruptly.
Antipsychotics
(e.g., olanzapine, risperidone, quetiapine):
They are not physically addictive.
However, they can have side effects
and should be withdrawn gradually.
Mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium,
valproate, lamotrigine):
They are not addictive.
They require regular medical
monitoring for possible side effects.
Conclusion:
Some psychotropic drugs
can cause dependence
if not used appropriately.
Most medications, when taken
under medical supervision,
are not addictive.
Never stop or change
your medication without speaking
with your psychiatrist.
How long should
psychiatric treatment be taken?
The duration of psychiatric
treatment varies depending on several
factors, such as the specific diagnosis,
the severity of symptoms,
the response to treatment,
and each person's individual situation.
Below is a general guideline based
on the most common disorders:
1. Depression.
Mild to moderate (first) episode:
6-12 months after complete improvement.
Recurrent episodes:
Treatment may be required
for years or indefinitely.
Goal:
Prevent relapse and maintain stability.
2. Bipolar disorder.
Maintenance treatment:
Generally long-term or lifelong.
Common medications:
Mood stabilizers such as lithium,
valproate, or lamotrigine.
3. Schizophrenia
or other psychotic disorders.
Acute phase:
Several months.
Maintenance:
Generally lifelong to prevent severe relapses.
In mild cases or with a single episode:
Treatment may be carefully tapered
after several years without symptoms,
but this is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
4. Anxiety disorders
(panic disorder, generalized anxiety
disorder, etc.)
Typical treatment:
6 months to 1 year after symptom remission.
Psychological therapy
(such as cognitive behavioral therapy)
may also reduce the required
duration of drug treatment.
5. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Recommended duration:
At least 1 year after improvement.
In severe or chronic cases,
it may be indefinite. It is combined
with behavioral therapy for better results.
