GoFuckYourself.com - Adult Webmaster Forum - View Single Post - What's the difference between a Psychatrist, a Psychologist, and a Therapist?

lynch1000s · 02-21-2005, 08:41 AM

psychiatrist has an MD (doctor of medicine), and is the one who prescribes psychiatric medications.

Psychologist has a Psy D (doctor of psychology) or a PhD in Psychology. He would help you go through a cognitive behavioral process to help you overcome your anxiety.

Therapist may only have a bachelors, masters, or even a doctorate, and be able to help you with your anxiety problems, if that's their specialty.

Most likely, you'll be prescribed a sort of SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) for your anxiety problems. I'd suggest lexapro, but that's up to the decision of the psychiatrist.

Don't take any benzodiazapines, such as valium or xanax, as they're 4th degree narcotics, they're highly addictive, and they may make you more anxious over time.

You may also look into buspar. From what I've heard, buspar has less side effects than typical ssri's (depending on the individual). It may or may not be better for your situation.

I'm a psychology major, hope that answers your question.

02-21-2005, 08:41 AM
lynch1000s Confirmed User Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 245	psychiatrist has an MD (doctor of medicine), and is the one who prescribes psychiatric medications. Psychologist has a Psy D (doctor of psychology) or a PhD in Psychology. He would help you go through a cognitive behavioral process to help you overcome your anxiety. Therapist may only have a bachelors, masters, or even a doctorate, and be able to help you with your anxiety problems, if that's their specialty. Most likely, you'll be prescribed a sort of SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) for your anxiety problems. I'd suggest lexapro, but that's up to the decision of the psychiatrist. Don't take any benzodiazapines, such as valium or xanax, as they're 4th degree narcotics, they're highly addictive, and they may make you more anxious over time. You may also look into buspar. From what I've heard, buspar has less side effects than typical ssri's (depending on the individual). It may or may not be better for your situation. I'm a psychology major, hope that answers your question.