Is it better to see a psychologist or psychiatrist for anxiety?

Finding the right mental health professional for your anxiety can be difficult, especially if you don’t know whom to consult. Read the full article to help you decide who you should consult for your anxiety.

If you’re going through symptoms of anxiety and looking for medical help, it might be confusing to know whom to consult. While both psychiatrists and psychologists treat anxiety, there are differences in their education, experience, and approach to treatment. Take a look at the differences between a psychiatrist and a psychologist and find out which one works best for you

All mental health conditions are treated by both mental health professionals, the only difference being the severity level of the patient.

Psychologists focus more on thoughts and behaviours, tracking the patterns in your life that can contribute to your symptoms. On the other hand, psychiatrists focus on the biological factors of a mental illness and prescribe medication to help treat the symptoms.

If your anxiety seems manageable or mild, it’s best to consult a psychologist to help you track your symptoms and manage your anxiety. However, if your anxiety seems uncontrollable and takes over everyday activities, it is best to consult a psychiatrist. They will take your medical history into account, ruling out any physical conditions before prescribing medication.
Anxiety and stress are created due to our hectic schedules and lifestyles. If you’re suffering from anxiety and don’t have any symptoms of depression, you should consult a psychologist. A psychiatrist will prescribe medication, but the effects stop when you stop taking the medication, giving way to anxiety once again.

On the other hand, a psychologist will talk you through your symptoms in a process called CBT or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which helps manage anxiety symptoms without medication.

If you’re going through anxiety and depression, a combination of therapy and medication can help you manage your symptoms. In this situation, you will have therapy sessions with your psychologist, and your psychiatrist will manage your medication.

Medically reviewed by Dr Sunitha MBBS, DPM (NIMHANS), DNB

Dr Sunitha serves as the Chief Psychiatrist at Agan Health Trichy. She specialises in Adult Psychiatry, and her fields of interest include consultation liaison psychiatry and women's mental health. With over 15 years of experience in the field of mental healthcare, Dr Sunitha has been instrumental in positively transforming the lives of many in Tamil Nadu. She is also a consulting psychiatrist at some of the reputed mental health institutions in Tamil Nadu.