• Question: why did you choose to be a phyciatrist

    Asked by anon-215210 to Kathryn, Ian, Chris, Bogdana, Alex on 19 Jun 2019.
    • Photo: Ian Cookson

      Ian Cookson answered on 19 Jun 2019:


      I’m not a psychiatrist I’m a psychologist, and there’s a subtle but important difference. Psychologists look at human behaviour and try to help people to think and behave differently. Psychiatrists are generally trying to help treat mental health issues, and can prescribe medication if required, which psychologists can’t.

    • Photo: Bogdana Huma

      Bogdana Huma answered on 19 Jun 2019:


      Ian provided a great explanation of the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist. I’d just add that, in order to become a psychiatrist, you have to study medicine, not psychology.

    • Photo: Alex Lloyd

      Alex Lloyd answered on 19 Jun 2019:


      Agree with Ian and Bogdana about the distinctions between psychology/psychiatry! I chose to become a psychologist instead of a psychiatrist because I was interested in people’s behaviour rather than the medical reasons and treatments for mental illness.

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