Psycholigist..??.Psychiatrists..?? Help

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-04-2003
Psycholigist..??.Psychiatrists..?? Help
5
Mon, 03-20-2006 - 1:21pm

Hello all. At the recommendation of DD pediatrician. I have opted for therapy. Pediatrician said that her severe change in weight, attitude, grades, etc may well not be just "teenage" phase. I hoped to say that DD tells me everything or mostly everything...she swears that there is nothing going on with school, no bf, or boy troubles, friends etc... But I am losing hope. She had all weekend to finish a simple project that dealt with instructions, she didnt even get the full instructions on what the project should contain... she spend most of the time "calling" people in her class to see what they had as far as instructions....sad to say none of them had a clue either....What is going on.... I am really upset at the school having a so called homework hotline, if the teachers don't post on it on a daily basis. This is frustrating for me...I feel like I should just let her fail on her own and just look in...but the mother in me doesn't want her to fail. I know that if I don't continue to expect that she changes her grades etc... she will just let them sly on by. What should I do... I am so torn...

Now my real question, after the vent. Other than the prescription issue what is the real difference between a psychologist & psychiatrist? I have contacted a few given to me by health insurance. What kind of questions should I ask before deciding on which one...should I let my DD choose? Etc.. Any help is GREATLY appreciated.

Avatar for jupiterfit
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-12-2003
Mon, 03-20-2006 - 1:42pm
Psychologist has a PhD and a Psychiatrist has a Master's Degree. If you have a list of names, call and you will get a receptionist. Ask the receptionist for areas of specialty on the psych. You should choose one that has experience with teens because there are so many issues unique to teens. The teens themselves seem to like the same gender and the younger the better, though there may be some older ones that are "cool". Good luck.
Debbie
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-18-2005
Mon, 03-20-2006 - 3:35pm

Sorry, Jupiter, this is incorrect

A Psychiatrist is an MD (a medical doctor) - has gone to medical school and then did a specialization.

A psychiatrist has a more medical orientation (and can give prescriptions), usually they work in conjunction with a Psycholgoist or Therapist, who can do the more cognitive/behavioral work.

Sue

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-29-2004
Mon, 03-20-2006 - 3:55pm

Sorry but you are misinformed.

A pyschiatrist is a medical doctor who has specialized. They have a great deal of years of education behind them & training,much more than just a Master's Degree. They deal with "diseases of the brain". One has to be refered from one's family doctor.

A pyschologist has only a Phd in pyschology. They do not have medical degrees. They can not proscribe medication and deal with more behavioural issues.

Avatar for jupiterfit
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-12-2003
Mon, 03-20-2006 - 6:43pm
Oops. Sorry about that. Thanks for the clarification.
Regards,
Deb
Debbie
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2003
Tue, 03-21-2006 - 11:37am

its not as simple as what was explained here.


yes, a phsyciatrist is and MD doctor who specializes in phsycological disorders. you would need to find someone who specializes in teens. but ---- these doctors USUALLY just perscribe meds, they don't do the therapy work.


a therapist - can be a psychologist (who is not always a PhD), or a social worker -- but in both cases they are supposed to be trained and certified in THERAPY.


its hard to say what you r dd needs. when you say <<> what exactly is going on. is she gaining or losing weight? has she done medical tests to rule out other issues (such as thyroid, for example)? has she been tested for any types of learning diabilities?