Psychopharmacologists and psychiatrists are both professionals who work closely with patients to treat mental health and behavioral disorders. Sounds similar, right? The difference comes in how these medical professionals approach their patient’s treatment.
Read on to discover the differences between psychopharmacologists and psychiatrists.
Request infoWhat is a Psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a licensed medical doctor who is trained further in behavioral science after medical school. Psychiatrists meet with patients directly to assess their mental health condition using psychoanalysis, a system of psychological therapy that aims to treat mental disorders by investigating the connection between the conscious and unconscious mind. They have expertise in diagnosing, treating, and preventing emotional, behavioral, and mental disorders.
Psychiatrists work with their patients to determine the best plan to improve their mental well-being, including individual, group, or family therapy, and prescribing medication for those with chemical imbalances. They may also refer their patient to another medical professional, such as a psychologist.
What is a Psychopharmacologist?
A psychopharmacologist is also a psychiatrist, but one who specializes in the use of medications for treating mental disorders. This field combines both natural and social sciences, as it requires a well-developed understanding of both medicine and psychology.
Psychopharmacologists must have a deep understanding of the movement of medications through the human body and how those medications affect the body and mind. To prescribe such powerful medications, psychopharmacologists need to know how certain drugs react to other drugs, the drug’s half-life, and how someone’s genes (which vary widely from person to person) can affect the power of the drug.
Psychopharmacologists can pursue multiple careers, but many find themselves employed by pharmaceutical companies to help create or monitor new medications. They conduct clinical trials to track the effects of a medication over time, monitoring both physical and behavioral signs of mental illness.
Psychopharmacologists can also work with individual patients to help them determine the correct balance of medication for their needs.
Psychiatrist vs. Psychopharmacologists
Like squares and rectangles, all psychopharmacologists are psychiatrists, but not all psychiatrists are psychopharmacologists.
Psychiatrists conduct specialized tests to determine mental disorders, focus on the patient’s medical history, and work closely with other medical professionals to create a unique plan of treatment that does not always include medication. On the other hand, psychopharmacologists study how their patient’s mental health is affected by medication and determine what other drugs may be valuable to their treatment.
The two professions are very similar, but the focus on medication makes a distinct difference in how psychiatrists and psychopharmacologists treat their patients.
Psychopharmacology Careers
Psychology is a broad field of study that offers multiple career paths for both psychiatrists and psychopharmacologists.
Their deep understanding of medications make psychopharmacologists great candidates for the following careers:
- Physician assistant: PAs aid doctors in prescribing medications for mental health and behavioral issues. An understanding of how these drugs affect the body and mind is crucial.
- Clinical psychologist: Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat patients with psychological problems. Knowledge of the brain and its relationship with various drugs is vital to treating these conditions effectively.
- Researcher: Medications require consistent research, upkeep, and trial work to ensure their effectiveness. Psychopharmacologists make excellent researchers.
Interested in psychiatry, psychopharmacology, or psychology in general? The Chicago School is ready to help you achieve your career aspirations no matter where your interests lie. Fill out the form below to request more information or apply today through our application portal.