What is the difference between..... - Mental Health Message Board

sweetums · 06-01-2004, 07:32 PM

What is the difference between a phychiatrist and a phychologist if any?
My family doctor has tried to help me, he has me up to 400mgs of Wellbutrin a day plus 3mgs of alprazolam a day. He pretty much feels he can't help me medically anymore.
He is now referring me to a phychologist...but I have always wondered what the difference was between that and a phychiatrist.
I'm not too keen on talking to anyone, I've seen two different counselors in the past and I just feel they can't help me, plus I'm not real comfortable talking about my life problems to them...I have some pretty heavy things going on in my life, none of which I can really change or do much about it...it's pretty much out of my hands...so I really don't see how talking to somebody about it is really going help.
I wish I could be happy again...I want to enjoy life, not just merely exist in it.

Portia26 · 06-02-2004, 10:06 AM

A psychologist offers therapy but cannot prescribe meds. A psychiatrist is more of an expert on the brain, and can prescribe drugs as well as offer therapy. More and more though, people go to a psychologist for therapy and to a psychiatrist to fix their meds. Don't worry about going for therapy... it cna be so helpful. If you find the right psychologist, someone you really feel comfortable with, it can really help a lot. I know from experience. Give it a good try, and really push yourself to open up. You'll be surprised what a difference it can make. Meds are not enough. Good luck to you!

hry33 · 06-08-2004, 03:47 PM

to sweetums
if the wellbutrin is reducing your anxiety than you shouldnt need that much alprazolam/xanax
sometimes the wellbutrin dose needs to be upped, occasionally it never works at any dose and another antidepressant needs to be tried
what are your problems anxiety or depression or something else?

sweetums · 06-08-2004, 05:50 PM

Well it actually turns out I'm being sent to see a phychiatrist....my appointment is tomorrow morning....they are usually booked, but my doc somehow got me in the door.
I have (what I've been told) is severe depression...alot of it is situational...major marriage problems, a 6 year old child with a very serious illness that will only get worse, plus a very unsupportive family...I'm talking about my siblings and parents.
But my doctor does believe some of my depression is clinical...I got started on the xanax while in the early stages of starting on the Wellbutrin...at the lower dosages of Wellbutrin it wasn't helping me at all, so my doctor gave me xanax to help me get through...but now I'm on the highest dosage of Wellbutrin, and a pretty high dosage of xanax...I am feeling better since the higher dosage of xanax, but I still have a long way to go, as far as feeling my ole self again.
I'm both nervous and anxious about my appointment tomorrow, it will be interesting to see what this guy has to say.