Psychologists do not prescribe medication, as they do not have the necessary pharmacological training in this area. Rather, psychologists treat disorders from a variety of other perspectives that encompass environmental, social, cognitive and behavioural factors. Psychiatrists work from a medical background. They need to complete a medicine degree, followed by postgraduate study in psychiatry. Psychiatrists engage in the inspection of medical history, examination, diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional and behavioural disorders.
Psychiatrists work from a bio-chemical perspective.
This provided them with the necessary skills in the pharmacological area. This training and knowledge allows them to prescribe pharmacological medication to clients for the treatment of disorders. Psychology is concerned with the scientific and systematic study of the human mind and behaviour, in a wide variety of areas. Psychology encompasses the study of cognitive, social, developmental, behavioural and physiological processes. Psychologists employ a research-oriented approach in their practice, by formulating hypotheses, and testing hypotheses through the collection of data.