Neurology and psychiatry both study the brain, but their fields of expertise are very different. Furthermore, they have other daily tasks. It’s critical to comprehend the distinctions between neurology and psychology if you’re considering a career in either field.
There is indeed some crossover between the two fields, but despite some fundamental similarities, neurologists and psychiatrists require different training and approach various symptoms differently.
If you’re thinking about going into medicine, learning the variations between the roles and responsibilities of a psychiatrist and a neurologist can help you choose which area of the field might better suit you. If you’re interested in brain health but are unsure of your ideal career path, keep reading.
If you think you need to see a Calgary Psychologists for a psychological or medical condition affecting your brain, we can help you choose the type of doctor you should make an appointment with.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists who are experts in mental health treat patients suffering from mental health illnesses. They must be licensed and have a medical degree. They interact with patients for extended periods, so they need to be able to speak clearly and listen well. Additionally, psychiatrists must pay close attention to the details and note any changes in a patient’s mood or behavior. They may work in clinics, hospitals, or other facilities that provide care for people with mental health issues.
Along with prescription medications frequently, a psychiatrist’s treatment plan may include counseling, therapy, or behavioral therapy. A psychiatrist may advise patients to seek psychiatric treatment from other mental health professionals such as counselors, psychiatrists, or rehabilitation specialists.
Neurologist
Specialists in neurology receive education to treat neurological conditions brought on by brain, spine, respiratory system, and nervous diseases. Numerous neurophysiological tests can be run on patients by neurologists. They can both diagnose and treat neurological conditions and work to determine the underlying causes of any central nervous system disorder.
Medicines, dietary modifications, and recovery therapy are used as treatments. A neurologist’s recommendation for surgery will be based on the diagnosis. Neurologists often consult and coordinate care with immunotherapy and orthopedic surgeons for highly complex or severe nervous system conditions.
Symptoms and Conditions
That also specialist a patient should be seeing will depend on the symptoms and ailments they are undergoing, though it is not unusual for someone to require the services of both doctors. A psychiatrist may treat certain brain disorders that produce symptoms, but the reverse is also occasionally true.
What conditions are treated by psychiatrists?
Treatment of people with mental health issues that affect their behavior, thought processes, and emotional states are known as psychiatry.
The conditions which psychiatrists deal with are:
Anxiety Disorder, ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Addiction, Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Mood Swings, PTSD- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and many more.
Which Conditions are Treated by Neurologists?
Despite being able to treat problems with any part of the nervous system, neurologists tend to focus primarily on the issues with the spine and brain. But because it is their specialty, they are trained to deal with problems involving the entire body, such as pain and weakness.
The conditions which Neurologists treat are:
Spinal Cord Injury, Migraine, Sleep Disorders, Vertigo, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Brain Damage, Strokes, and many more.
Conditions and Symptoms that are treated both by Neurologists and Psychiatrists
Sometimes, a person might find it helpful to see a neurologist and a psychiatrist. For instance, symptoms of anxiety or depression may appear in a patient with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can significantly impact how the brain functions. The best action is to visit a neurologist to address the brain injury. You should consult a good psychiatrist to treat depressive symptoms.
Other conditions and symptoms that both doctors may treat include:
Issues in sleeping, Hallucinating, extreme tiredness, Short term memory loss, and Cognitive dissonance.
Psychological Interventions For Issues With No Underlying Structural Cause
There are also many interventions for anxiety and depression that are not connected to traumatic brain injury or other biological or neurological underlying causes. Psychological trauma connected with an emotional or psychological crisis can take a significant toll on one’s physical and emotional health. Therapy with Shift can help reduce trauma’s grip on one’s life and increase one’s feeling of security, confidence, and overall well-being.
ShiftGrit Calgary is here to help you with mental health issues. If you want the best treatment, get in touch today.