How is a psychiatrist different from a psychologist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with an MD degree or equivalent who can diagnose mental illnesses, prescribe medications, and provide various forms of therapy. They are first trained in general medicine and surgery, i.e., MBBS, after which they further train for three years for specialization in psychiatry. A psychologist, on the other hand, typically holds a doctoral degree, PhD or MPhil in psychology, and is trained to provide psychotherapy (talk therapy), conduct psychological testing, and develop behavioral treatment plans. Psychologists do not have a license to prescribe medications.
Who should I visit, a psychologist or a psychiatrist, first for my mental health condition?
You can visit anyone for your mental health condition, as they provide integrated health care by working together. You may be asked to visit a psychologist by a psychiatrist after the first appointment, or vice versa. In general, you may visit a psychiatrist first if you have severe symptoms like suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, or extreme mood swings. You might need medication for mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, addictions, etc. For all mental health issues, there is a need for medical evaluation to rule out physical causes (e.g., thyroid issues, neurological conditions). Hence, a psychiatrist would be the right professional to visit.
However, if you’re looking for talk therapy to address stress, relationship issues, emotional struggles, trauma psychologist would be the right choice. Usually, if symptoms are mild and not interfering critically with daily functioning, the psychological session would be useful. They can also help with the psychological testing or evaluation (e.g., IQ, ADHD, learning disabilities, personality assessments).
When should I see a psychiatrist?
You should consider seeing a psychiatrist if you are experiencing persistent emotional, behavioral, or cognitive issues that interfere with your daily functioning. Symptoms such as prolonged sadness, anxiety, palpitations, overthinking, mood swings, hallucinations, delusions, or suicidal thoughts may indicate a need for psychiatric evaluation. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medications when necessary. If you’ve tried therapy but haven’t seen improvement, or if your therapist or physician recommends further evaluation, a psychiatrist can offer a more comprehensive approach. People with a history of mental illness or those requiring medication management should also seek psychiatric care.
Who is the best psychiatrist in Nepal?
Nepal has many skilled psychiatrists practicing in both government and private settings. There are no measuring criteria to define someone as the best psychiatrist. The “best” psychiatrist can vary depending on your specific needs, location, and comfort level. Look for qualified professionals (MD in Psychiatry or equivalent), have good patient feedback, and practice evidence-based care. Institutions like Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Patan Hospital, Mental Hospital Lagankhel, and various private clinics in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and other cities have reputable mental health services.
