Psychology

Psychology vs. Psychiatry: Learn About Their Differences

    Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior, according to the American Psychological Association. Psychology is a multifaceted discipline and includes many sub-fields of study such areas as human development, sports, health, clinical, social behavior and cognitive processes.

Psychology is a new science, with most advances happening over the past 150 years. However, its origins can be traced back to ancient Greece, 400 – 500 BC.

The emphasis was a philosophical one, with great thinkers such as Socrates (470 BC – 399 BC) influencing Plato (428/427 BC – 348/347 BC), who in turn influenced Aristotle (384 BC – 322 BC).
Philosophers used to discuss many topics now studied by modern psychology, such as memory, free will vs. determinism, nature vs. nurture, attraction, etc.
Psychology is a vast and multifaceted field. Over time, as our understanding of the human mind and behavior has expanded, various specialized areas or branches of psychology have emerged, such as clinical psychology, social psychology, and developmental psychology.

What is Psychology?
    Psychology refers to the scientific study behavior and mental processes. It explores various aspects of human experience, from cognitive processes to emotional responses and social interactions.
    As a distinct scientific discipline, psychology emerged in the 19th century. It evolved from philosophical inquiries into the mind to a formal field of study, marked by systematic investigations into behavioral and cognitive processes. This shift was largely driven by the establishment of research methods that distinguished psychology from other sciences.

What is Psychiatry?
    Psychiatry is a branch of medicine focused on diagnosing, treating and preventing mental health disorders. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medications and use a range of therapeutic techniques to manage mental illnesses.
    The roots of psychiatry are deeply embedded in the medical traditions of the early 19th century. The term "psychiatry" was first coined by Johann Christian Reil, a German professor of medicine, in 1808. The term literally means "medical treatment of the soul," reflecting the evolving approach to understanding and treating mental illness.

What's the Difference Between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
    While both psychologists and psychiatrists play crucial roles in mental health care, their training, approaches and methods of treatment often differ significantly. Below, we'll focus on the distinctions between these two professions, helping to clarify their unique functions and the settings in which they operate.

Psychology is the study of the human mind, and is the basis for many forms of mental health treatment, particularly psychotherapy. Psychology plays a role in our behaviors, emotions, relationships, personality, and much more.

Explore the various types of psychology, their history and the major theorists behind them, and apply this knowledge to your own mental and emotional well-being.