Mind matters

NEUROSIS is the inability to tolerate ambiguity. - Sigmund Freud.

Psychiatrists and Psychologists are mind doctors who try to unravel the cryptic workings of the human brain and how it affects human behaviour in a society. There are professional differences between these two and limits of their practice.

Clinical psychologists and psychiatrists can diagnose neuro- psychological disorders and dysfunction plus psychotic, neurotic and personality disorders and dysfunction.

Psychiatrists are Medical doctors whose training and education includes medical school and at least four additional years of study, research and clinical training. With their medical training psychiatrists bring into their practice an understanding of medical as well as mental issues.

They possess and in depth knowledge of medication, its effects, limitations as a treatment modality. Among mental health professionals only psychiatrists evaluate the need for medication and can prescribe drugs.

Psychiatrists through counseling, psychotherapy, tranquilizers, anti-depressants and if required use Electric Convulsive therapy (ECT) to treat patients suffering from all kinds of fears, anxieties, phobias, and obsessions. Forensic Psychiatrists are called upon to work in courts and prisons for rehabilitation of prisoners, examine and testify whether an accused is mentally stable.

Child Psychiatrists work with juvenile delinquents and rehabilitation centers and children's hospitals too hire the services of these professionals to help drug addicts and overcome compulsive habits, obsessive disorders, fears and phobias and so on.

Psychologists are mental health professionals who hold a doctorate degree. Their training and education includes graduate study of at least six years in human behaviour, therapeutic treatment of emotional problems, theories of personality, psychological test construction, experimental research, statistical analysis of data as well as a clinical internship.

They gather information about the affliction through controlled laboratory experiments, personality tests, performance-based evaluation, aptitude and intelligence tests, observations, interviews and questionnaires, clinical studies and surveys.

Clinical Psychologists are specialists with the most rigorous graduate training in theories and techniques of psychotherapy. Among mental health professionals, only psychologists can administer and report the results of psychological tests. Further specialisations in this field include health psychology, Neuropsychology - studies the relation between brain and behaviour, and Geropsychology - deals with special problems faced by the elderly.

They work in counselling centres, independent or group practises, hospitals, or clinics. They help mentally and emotionally disturbed clients adjust to life and help medial and surgical patients cope with illnesses and injuries. These professionals cannot prescribe medication and can treat only through psychotherapy and behavioural interventions. Clinical Neuro psychologists diagnose brain impairment and how this affects thinking skills, emotions, behaviour and personality. They also develop rehabilitation methods for brain impairment and often with medical professionals.

School Psychologists, work in elementary, secondary and high school or district school offices to resolve students learning and behavioural problems. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and school personnel to improve classroom management and work with students with disabilities or gifted and talented students with improved teaching and learning strategies. They also evaluate the effectiveness of the academic programmes, behaviour management procedures and other services that are provided in the school.

Industrial/Organisational psychologists apply principles of psychology and research methods in the work place with the interest of improving productivity and the quality of the workplace. They screen applicants, get involved in in-house training and development, counseling, organisational behaviour, analysis and development. Companies to solve particular problems plaguing the workforce and hampering productivity also outsource these professinals.

Developmental psychologists study the physiological, cognitive, and social development that takes place throughout one's life. Some specialise in behaviour during infancy, childhood, and adolescence, orchanges that occur during maturity and old age. They also study developmental disabilities, their effects and how one should cope with it. Presently research is being done in developing ways to help elderly people stay as independent as possible.

Social psychologists critically examine human being's interactions with others and with the social environment. Prominent areas of study in this field include group behaviour, leadership, attitudes, and perception.

Forensic psychologists apply the psychological knowledge to assess,intervene, and research within the context of the legal and criminal justice system. They provide expert opinion to the courts in matters of criminal behaviour, child abuse and custody disputes.

Sports psychologists provide psychological assistance to sportsmen seeking to excel as professionals in various sports. They focus on performance enhancement, personal development, well being and adjustment skills.

Experimental/Research psychologists work only in university and private research centres studying behaviour process between human beings and animals like rats, monkeys, and pigeons. Prominent areas of study include motivation, thinking, attention, learning and memory, sensoryand perceptual processes, effects of substance abuse, and genetic and neurological factors affecting behaviour.

Place of Work

Psychologists are primarily employed in health services, hospitals, mental health clinics, rehabilitation centres, nursing homes, correctional facilities, old age homes and other health facilities. They are also employed by social service organisations, schools, colleges, universities, research organisations, management consulting firms, marketing research firms, human resource departments of big organisations and other businesses.

Only after several years of experience, psychologists with doctoral degrees enter private practice or set up private research or consulting firms.

Temperament

Candidates aspiring to become psychologists in the field of direct patient care must be emotionally very stable, clinically objective, and very mature. They should primarily have an interest in people and human behaviour with an inquisitive mind and an ability to solve problems. Excellent communication skills, willingness to listen, sensitivity, compassion and ability to lead and inspire others are important qualities for clinical work and counseling. Those involved in the field of research should possess the patience to collect detailed relevant data and analytical skills to review, investigate and derive working solutions.

Monetary gains

Salaries of Psychiatrists and Psychologists working with NGOs depends on the inflow of funds that the organisation receives from various donations and resource deployment agencies.

Those who find employment within the Government University and community projects have a fairly regular income package, which can start anywhere from Rs. 15,000 (UGC) with the additional perks extended to any government employee.

Private practitoners are usually networked with various medical organisations and patients are referred to them on a need basis. Successful professionals charge per session and the amount can vary froma minimum of Rs. 200 to Rs. 500 and above according to the experience and proficiency level of the Psychiatrist.The success or failure of a professional in this field oddly depends more on the society he works with than his expertise. This is due to the social stigma attached in India to visits to such professionals. The thought of therapy for readjustment is often confused with grave mental instability. This often means that the psychiatrist is a last resortrather than the first choice.

People opting for this career may like to consider these facts before committing themselves to the years of study and hard work that are essential in this line of work.

MALINI SURYANARAYANAN

maalini.mds@cxknetworks.com