Is there a big difference between psychiatry and psychology

There are significant differences between psychiatry and psychology in terms of professional fields and service recipients. Psychiatry mainly deals with severe mental disorders, while psychology focuses on psychological distress and mild psychological problems. The difference between the two mainly lies in the scope of diagnosis and treatment, treatment methods, and professional background. A psychiatrist with a medical background can diagnose and treat severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc. If necessary, they can prescribe medication or recommend hospitalization. Psychologists usually have a background in psychology and help individuals cope with emotional distress, interpersonal problems, etc. through psychological counseling or therapy, but they do not have the authority to prescribe medication. Psychiatry focuses more on biological factors, while psychology emphasizes more on psychosocial factors. Psychiatric diagnosis and treatment typically involve medical interventions such as medication and physical therapy, and are suitable for patients with severe symptoms or organic lesions. Psychological services often use methods such as talk therapy and behavioral intervention, which are suitable for groups with clear awareness and willingness to seek help. Some patients may require collaboration between two departments, such as patients with depression who are transferred to the psychological department for long-term psychological adjustment after controlling their symptoms in the psychiatric department. When choosing a department, it should be determined based on the severity of symptoms. For acute attacks or the risk of self injury, priority should be given to seeking medical attention from a psychiatric department. For chronic emotional problems, psychological treatment may be considered. Maintaining a regular daily routine, moderate exercise, and social support can contribute to mental health. If there is a prolonged period of low mood, cognitive decline, or behavioral abnormalities for more than two weeks, it is recommended to seek professional evaluation in a timely manner.