There are many questions worth asking about psychologists, but chief among them is, “can psychologists diagnose mental illness?” Although this is the first question we answer, it is certainly not the last. Check out the full list below.
Can Psychologists Diagnose Mental Illness?
Yes, psychologists can diagnose mental illness. It is part of the training they undergo to become psychologists in the first place. This training informs their actions as they perform assessments and testing on individuals and helps them design a treatment plan that is effective in addressing the issues said individuals face.
What Can Psychologists Diagnose?
Psychologists can diagnose a large number of disorders, including:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders. This covers problems that usually begin in infancy or childhood. Some examples are autism spectrum disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Bipolar and related disorders. This class includes conditions with alternating episodes of mania and depression.
- Depressive disorders. These include conditions that affect how you feel emotionally, which may disrupt your ability to function—for example, major depressive disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
- Disruptive, impulse-control and conduct disorders. These disorders include problems with emotional and behavioural self-control, such as kleptomania.
- Substance-related and addictive disorders. Disorders of this type include problems associated with overuse of alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and drugs. This class also includes gambling disorders.
- Neurocognitive disorders. Neurocognitive disorders affect your ability to think and reason. These cognitive problems include delirium and neurocognitive disorders from conditions or diseases such as traumatic brain injury or Alzheimer’s disease.
- Personality disorders. A personality disorder involves a lasting pattern of emotional instability and unhealthy behaviour.
- Other mental disorders. This class includes mental disorders that are due to other medical conditions or that don’t meet the full criteria for one of the above disorders.
Still, that isn’t the whole story with these mental health professionals. There is a fair amount of information that is important to consider when meeting with a psychologist, and preparation can improve the experience and effectiveness of all parties involved. Continue reading down below to learn more about psychologists and how to improve your experience.
What is a Psychologist?
A psychologist is someone who studies how humans think, feel, behave and interact with one another. They provide a scientific viewpoint that is established by years of study, often in a particular subject area. These subjects vary widely and include specializations such as behavioural, cognitive, clinical, biological, evolutionary and neurological psychology.
How to Become a Psychologist
Psychologists attend universities where they can attain masters or doctoral degrees in psychology, and many of them choose schools that focus on their intended specialization. After finishing their education, most psychologists begin a practice where they can work with individuals. Understanding the background of psychologists can help inform your actions with a common ground.
What Do Psychologists Do?
Psychologists perform testing and assessments to diagnose mental illness. If a person is diagnosed, these mental health professionals will offer treatments aimed at helping them understand their diagnosis. Psychologists also work with individuals, families, partners and groups in various settings, including schools, private practices, research institutions and government agencies, among others.
The psychologists who choose to focus on studying a specific aspect of mental health may research and practice:
- Pain management
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Phobias
- Stress, anger and emotional mismanagement
- Forensic diagnosis and study
- Addictions
- Familial, social and cultural relationships
What Don’t Psychologists Do?
Psychologists don’t prescribe medication. They are not trained as medical doctors, but they may work with a psychiatrist or other medical professional to incorporate medicines as a part of your overall treatment.