Demystify the therapy. How do the roles of psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychotherapists differ?

Mental health in Poland

Data from the Central Statistical Office and police data from 2017-2022 show that:

• 12 million people suffer from mental disorders of various kinds,
• 3.8 million people suffer from anxiety disorders.
• 3.8 million people suffer from depression
• 2.4 million people experience insomnia.

Statistics clearly indicate the serious scale of the problem, but many people, nevertheless, do not resort to adequate help. One of the factors that can be a barrier to going to a specialist consultation is unsupported and untrue beliefs about mental health.

Myths about mental health

Many people have misconceptions about mental disorders and the use of psychotherapy. Below we debunk various myths about these issues.

Myth 1. Psychotherapy can only be used by people with severe mental disorders.

Psychotherapy is helpful for anyone facing mental health challenges or needs support in coping with stress, relationships, or life changes—not just for people with serious disorders. Research confirms that psychotherapy is effective in treating a variety of problems, such as anxiety, depression or relationship difficulties. For many people, it is also a tool for personal development and coping with everyday life, not only in the context of treating mental disorders.

Myth 2: Psychotherapy takes a long time to be effective.

While therapy may take time, many forms of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), are designed as short-term and structured approaches. Studies show that significant improvement can occur after just 12-20 sessions for problems such as depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress syndrome. The duration of therapy depends on the severity of the problem, however, the belief that it always takes years is often unfounded.

Myth 3. Mental disorders will go away over time.

While some mild symptoms of stress or sadness can go away on their own, serious mental health disorders such as depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder rarely go away without treatment. They often require intervention to prevent them from getting worse. If left untreated, mental problems can lead to more serious complications, such as chronic stress, for example. Research indicates that early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing the progression of mental disorders.

Myth 4. Mental disorders are rare.

In fact, mental disorders can affect anyone, and the number of people who struggle with them is constantly increasing. For example, in 2017, 264 million people worldwide suffered from depression.

Myth 5. Drug treatment changes personality.

In some cases, the treatment of mental disorders requires the use of medications. Antidepressants or mood stabilizers are intended to relieve symptoms. They help balance the chemicals in the brain and thus improve mood, relieve anxiety or psychosis without changing personality. For example, SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are commonly used to treat depression and anxiety, and studies show that they do not change personality traits.

Myth 6. Psychiatric treatment is a cause for shame.

It is worth understanding that mental problems or mood disorders often result from malfunctioning of the brain. Impaired neurotransmitter secretion or entrenched, unsupported beliefs can significantly reduce the quality of our lives and cause suffering. This is not our fault, so it is important to view psychiatric treatment in the same way as any other form of medical care.

Psychologist, psychiatrist or maybe psychotherapist?

Mental health is taken care of by psychologists, psychiatrists and psychotherapists. Here are the key differences between these professionals and information about the issues they deal with:

Psychologist is a specialist trained in psychological testing, therapy and counseling. He does not prescribe medication. In its area of activity are:

• Advisory. For mild to moderate mental health problems, such as disorders of thought or adaptive patterns, a psychologist may suggest a short-term, evidence-based intervention.
• Behavioral and Cognitive Disorders Assessments and Tests. Psychologists are trained to perform comprehensive tests for disorders such as learning disabilities, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders or personality disorders, as well as tests on human personality traits. Such assessments support the diagnosis of the disorder and assist in the development of treatment plans.

Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, combining a medical approach with a psychological one. Psychiatrists are the only mental health professionals who can prescribe medication, which is sometimes necessary for serious disorders. The areas in which the psychiatrist will be helpful are:

• Medication management. Patients suffering from disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, clinical depression or anxiety disorders may require pharmacological treatment, as it is often necessary to stabilize the symptoms of these disorders. Psychiatrists specialize in monitoring the effects of drugs and adjusting their doses.
• Severe or complex symptoms. People experiencing psychosis, suicidal thoughts, or serious mood disorders should seek help from a psychiatrist who is better equipped to provide immediate medical interventions, including hospitalization and intensive care.
• Medical complications. Mental health problems associated with other medical conditions, such as neurodevelopmental disorders, dementia or post-stroke depression, often require additional psychiatric care.

Psychotherapist is a person who has completed professional training (usually lasting 4 years) and is licensed to treat mental, emotional and behavioral disorders with the help of psychological techniques. The psychotherapist does not prescribe medication — his support consists of regular, weekly sessions with the patient, which last about 50 minutes.

During these meetings, the psychotherapist helps the patient understand the difficulties they are facing and work together to develop more supportive ways of thinking and behaving. Psychotherapy can take place in a variety of ways, depending on the current that the psychotherapist in question represents. We distinguish, among others, cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, systemic therapy, Gestalt and humanistic therapy.

If you notice serious symptoms in yourself that may require drug treatment, a psychiatrist will usually be the best choice. If you are looking for therapeutic interventions and long-term support without the need for medication, a psychotherapist will be more suitable. If you need counseling, want to take psychometric tests or are hesitant about who to turn to with problems, it makes sense to go for a consultation with a psychologist. This specialist will expertly advise where it is best to seek help. It is also worth remembering that in many cases it may be necessary to combine psychiatric treatment with therapy, for example in the case of a severe depressive episode.

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