Psychiatrist
A Psychiatrist, an adept professional in the field of mental health, possesses the expertise to recognize, address, and proactively deter cognitive ailments. In India, the pathway to becoming a Psychiatrist involves the attainment of a comprehensive educational background. Primarily, individuals aspiring to enter this field must successfully complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine (MBBS). Following this foundational education, a specialization in Psychiatry becomes the subsequent phase, achievable through the pursuit of a Postgraduate Degree such as a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Diploma in Psychological Medicine (DPM).
Upon the successful completion of the specialized postgraduate program, aspiring Indian Psychiatrists are eligible to register with the Medical Council of India (MCI). This registration marks a crucial step towards obtaining a license to practice medicine professionally. Once the registration process is completed and the requisite qualifications are met, these dedicated professionals can apply for a license to practice medicine, thereby affirming their commitment to the field of mental health and their preparedness to contribute to the well-being of individuals in need.
Benefits of Seeing a Psychiatrist
One of the primary benefits of seeing a Psychiatrist is that they can prescribe medication to help manage Mental Health conditions. Various diseases, including Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, and Anxiety, can be successfully treated with Psychiatric Drugs. However, Medication is not always necessary, and Psychiatrists are also trained in Counseling, a talk therapy that can help individuals address mental health concerns.
Importance of Mental Health in India
India has over 1.3 billion people, and Mental Health issues are prevalent. Nearly 15% of Indians, according to the National Mental Health Survey of India, need active Psychiatric assistance. Mental health issues can significantly impact a person’s daily life, limiting their capacity to work, develop relationships, and enjoy life. Mental Health Awareness in India is rising, but there is still a way to go in providing accessible and affordable Mental Health Care to those who need it.
Stigma Around Mental Health in India
In India, much stigma is still associated with mental illness, even though people are becoming more aware of these problems. Because they are worried about stigma and discrimination, many people experiencing mental health issues put off getting treatment. More public education about Mental Health and the value of getting help when needed is required.
Challenges Faced by Psychiatrists in India
One of the challenges Psychiatrists face in India is the lack of mental health doctors. The shortage of Mental Health Professionals makes it difficult for people living in remote areas to receive proper mental health care. Approximately one Psychiatrist requires for every 344,000 individuals in India. This a significant issue that must address so that everyone can ensure their mental health. Another challenge is the general population’s lack of awareness related to Mental Health that Psychiatrists face in India. Many people in India do not identify with or have acceptance, which leads to delayed or inadequate treatment. A significant requirement is related to educating Mental Health and seeking help in the hour of need. The study suggests that more efforts should make towards stigma towards mental health literacy.
Comprehensive Evaluation
Psychiatrists can conduct a thorough medical and Psychological Assessment to identify any underlying root cause, health conditions or environmental factors contributing to their symptoms. They can create a specialized treatment strategy involving medicine, therapy, or a mix.
When to Visit a Psychiatrist?
It may be beneficial to consult a Psychiatrist for an evaluation if a person exhibits symptoms of a Mental Health concerns, such as Sadness, Anxiety, or Mood Swings. Changes in conduct or personality, Difficulties functioning at work or in social circumstances, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide are other indicators that it might be time to consult a Psychiatrist.
Psychologists and Psychiatrists Have Different Roles. A psychiatrist and a psychologist, both professionals, offer Counseling and Treatment. Psychiatrists majorly provide Medication, whereas Psychologists do Counseling. Psychologists specialise in offering Treatment and Counseling to Individuals, Couples, and Families and often hold a PhD in Psychology.
How Accessible and Affordable is Mental Health Care in India?
Government and Non-Governmental Organisation initiatives aim to resolve these issues and enhance Mental Health services in India. It is crucial to keep putting Mental Health first and to work towards giving everyone in India access to high-quality Mental Health Care that is also reasonably priced.
In India, Mental Health care is not easily accessible or affordable for everyone. While some Government initiatives are in place to address Mental Health care issues, they often need to be more funded and staffed. Private Mental Health Care services are available but costly and out of budget for rural and low-income populations. Overall, there is a significant need for more excellent investments in Mental Health care resources and services in India.
How can Mental Health Awareness be further increased in India?
Mental Health care in India is challenging due to insufficient funding and staffing in government and non-governmental organisations. While private Mental Health care services exist, they are usually too expensive for low-income people or those living in rural areas. It is imperative to increase investment in Mental Health care resources and services to enhance the accessibility and affordability of Mental Health care.
Educating and creating awareness campaigns targeting Schools, Universities, and Workplaces is essential to promote Mental Health Awareness in India. Mental Health Professionals must be part of such campaigns to provide accurate information and resources. Additionally, de-stigmatising Mental Health issues through Media campaigns and community outreach programs is crucial to raising awareness and encouraging people to seek help when needed. Please take these steps to avoid perpetuating harmful attitudes and beliefs that prevent individuals from accessing the necessary help.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Psychiatrists in India are highly skilled and knowledgeable specialists dedicated to advancing Mental Health and giving compassionate care to people in need. Consulting a Psychiatrist in case of Psychosis, Hallucination, and Delusions is helpful. Consultation with a Mental Health Expert to identify the best course of action for particular requirements may be helpful if a person is unsure whether to see a Psychiatrist or a Psychologist. Although more attention pays to Mental Health in India, there is still a stigma linked to it, and there are still problems with access to and affordability of Mental Health Care.
What is the Difference Between a Psychologist And a Psychiatrist?
Layman often uses the terms “Psychiatrist” and “Psychologist” interchangeably, although both Professionals differ significantly in their Education, Training, and Practice areas to deal with patients having Mental Health concerns.
Research on Psychologists & Psychiatrists:
Psychologists and Psychiatrists were acknowledged for analysing individuals, assisting them with their problems, and studying the Mind, Emotions, and Personality. Psychologists were frequently perceived as specialising in Testing, Counseling, Human Behaviour, and Research, whereas Psychiatrists were commonly associated with a Medical approach to treatment. The patients treated by Psychiatrists exhibited more significant functional limitations and were diagnosed with more severe Mental Disorders than those treated by Psychologists. Mental Health Professionals offer particular services for Mental Health treatment and receive payment for these services through funding methods that are not accessible to other Healthcare providers.
Differences Between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist
1. Medication Vs Therapy
Psychiatrists and Psychologists have different approaches to treating Mental Health issues. In addition to Psychotherapy, Psychiatrists use Medication as the primary course of action. Psychologists, however, use various types of Counseling Techniques to help Clients to manage symptoms and cope with life problems. They are also qualified to conduct Psychometric Tests to evaluate a patient’s mental state and personal attributes. In many Mental Healthcare settings, Psychiatrists and Psychologists collaborate to provide comprehensive treatment to patients.
2. Expertise
Psychiatrists work in clinical settings and specialise in Mental Illness or Psychiatric Disorders. They can specialise further in areas like Forensic Psychiatry, Addiction Psychiatry, Clinical Neurophysiology, and more. Psychologists have a more comprehensive range of fields to apply their knowledge, with Mental Health being just one branch. The term “Psychologist” encompasses many sub-fields like Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Sports Psychology, and more, and Psychology graduates can specialise in any of these fields based on their interests. Psychologists work in non-clinical settings too.
3. Treatment Methods
Psychiatrists deals with Psychotic patients mostly. As Medical Doctors, Psychiatrists have the legal authority to prescribe medication to patients for the treatment of Mental Disorders like Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, OCD, ADHD, Etc. Clinical Psychologists, Criminal Psychologists or Foreignsic deal with psychotic patients mostly. Counseling psychologists mainly deal with Neurotic people. Clinical Psychologists are licenced to do diagnostics or Assessments. Psychologists have specialised training to apply the therapeutic technique. In cases where medication is deemed necessary, Psychologists refer patients to Psychiatrists. Psychologists, however, do not have the legal right to prescribe Medication.
4. Qualifications
To become a Psychiatrist, one must complete their MBBS and then pursue an M.D. in Psychiatry, requiring 7.5 years of study. To establish a career as a psychologist, one must obtain a Bachelor’s degree followed by a Master’s in Psychology. If one wants to work as a Clinical Psychologist and treat Mental Disorders, one must pursue an additional two years of study to obtain an M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology. In total, it takes 5 to 7 years of educational qualification to become a Psychologist.
Conclusion
Both Psychologist and Psychiatrist are helpful in improving people’s Mental Health and Emotional Well-being. The ultimate goal of both Professions is to help individuals lead healthy and well-functioning lives. you can approach Dr Nisha Khanna a leading top Mental Health Professional or Best Psychologist in Delhi, NCR and India. She offers services related to Mental Health Worldwide through Online Mediums. You can book an appointment with her at +91-9818211474