Key Differences Between Psychologists, Psychiatrists, & Psychometricians

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Image Credits: unsplash.com

As I was scrolling thru my unread messages on a popular messaging app, a friend woke me up with an query. "What's the difference between a Psychometrician and a Psychologist?"

Interestingly, this was not the first time that I encountered this question. In the country where I am practicing, Psychometrics is a relatively new field. In fact, the first licensure examinations for Psychometrician was held in 2014. That is about 7 years ago. The public has gradually embraced the importance of Psychometricians, in various settings.

I find it helpful to discuss the differences between a Psychometrician, a Psychologist, and a Psychiatrist before I begin testing on a client. The client's "aha" moment, a moment of sudden realization and comprehension, always brings a bliss to me.

Psychiatrists, Psychologists, and Psychometricians are all students of the mind. What separates the Psychiatrist from the rest is that it can prescribe medication, whereas the other two professionals cannot. Moreover, you need to attend medical school to become a Psychiatrist. Psychiatrists work closely with neurologists, surgeons and other medical practitioners to bridge the connection between the mind and the body.

Psychologists study human behavior on many levels. You need to complete your graduate studies and pass the licensure examinations, before becoming a Psychologist. They work in many industries such as human resources and hospitals. Both the licensed Psychiatrists and Psychologists can diagnose mental health disorders.

Now let's go to the professional that assesses your mental health "vital signs" - the Psychometrician. You need a bachelor's degree to qualify for the licensure examinations.

How To Spot Depression In Your Family And Friends

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Amidst the chaos of the pandemic, openly discussing about worries and fears is vital at this time. Mental health awareness can pull a body away from the drowning waves of negative emotions. With no access to Psychiatric drugs or face-to-face therapy, how can you spot depression?

 Since my background is in Psychology, my friends and loved ones feel safe to divulge the stories of their lives. I listen to their problems and provide ways to help them cope. When two of my close friends were diagnosed with depression, I immediately noticed the changes in their behavior and thought patterns. A physical condition such as an infected wound is easy to spot, but depression is another story.

Little do you know that mental illnesses such as depression is persistent in the Philippines. In fact, the suicide rate in the country is 2.5% for males and 1.7% in females (per 100,000 people)! Worldwide, close to 800,000 people die by suicide every year says WHO. You can only imagine these stats increasing as we are in the climax of a crisis. 

 Depression is more than just the grave feelings of sadness. It is a serious mental illness that negatively affects one’s overall functioning. The experience of depression varies for each individual. While others may feel scared with their impending doom, some may feel apathetic about the entire situation. Evidence have shown that men have a tendency to feel restless and angry when they are depressed.

 Read more: DEPRESSION, AWARENESS AND COPING: KNOW DEPRESSION, NO STIGMA

4 "Short" Psychology Videos Everyone Must Watch

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By: Anna Agoncillo

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)
Say you have less than ten minutes to spare. Instead of waiting for that clock to turn fast, get engrossed with these profound and entertaining Psychology videos…

 1. STANFORD PRISON EXPERIMENT 

 Length: 6.47 minutes

 The Stanford Prison Experiment is one of the most controversial experiments of all time. Led by psychologist Philip Zimbardo in 1971, this behavioral experiment showed how healthy university students can transform into unstable prisoners and cruel prison guards. Within days, the unhealthy power of the situation consumed most of the students' minds. 

 Watch as the events unfold on this short footage:

Life Lessons: The Day I Thought I Was Going To Die

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By: Anna Agoncillo
Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)
As the wheels of the aircraft were getting ready for take-off, the surge of negative emotions deep inside me were too. In my mind, I thought that was the day I was going to die.

 4 hours before…

 Before reaching the airport, the nationwide scare brought by the "Tanim Bala Scam" urged the passengers of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Philippines) to cover-up their baggages securely. 

 Allegedly, officials "plant" live ammunition in the unsuspecting passenger's luggage and then busting this international traveler for having bullets in his bag. Victims of this scam were asked to pay a hefty fine or to face the consequences of "their" actions (i.e., imprisonment and fines). 

 And, nobody wants to become a victim! Not even me. 

Artist Transforms Mental Disorders Into Illustrated Monsters

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By: Anna Agoncillo
Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)
In 2013, an artist by the name of Toby Allen created the artworks of "real life monsters" that had been crippling the lives of several people.

 His intention is not to make light of these serious mental disorders but instead; he wanted these so-called monsters to appear more manageable and relatable. True enough, these mental disorders are more manageable with the guidance of qualified professionals that suitable use treatments such as Psychotherapy and Psychopharmacology. 

 See his imaginative creations here:

 1. ANXIETY

Free Apps: 5 FREE Mental Health Apps To Improve Your Life

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By: Anna Agoncillo
Image Credits: CAFNR via Flickr
There is a wide selection of Apps that will help improve your physical, emotional, and mental health. Hidden through it all are these free yet efficient gems we all should have…

1. MINDSHIFT

 Available on Android and iOS

 Tired of running away from anxiety? Then, face it with MindShift App. Developed by Anxiety BC, MindShift App is designed to help individuals to cope efficiently with anxiety. It teaches its users to develop new thinking, healthy activities, and relaxation skills designed to cope with anxiety (e.g., performance or social anxiety), worry, panic, and more.
Image Credits: MindShift via Itunes

Best Psychological Movies You Should Watch

abnormal psychology

By: Anna Agoncillo
Image Credits: ScypaxPictures via Flickr
Art and Psychology go hand in hand. In fact, the best cinematic art illustrates human condition, which is ultimately, the core of Psychological studies.

 Enjoy at least two of these beautifully made films especially if you are taking up Psychology as a subject. As a student of Psychology, you must analyze films that portray mental illnesses, suffering, existential meaning, resilience, strengths, and virtues. This will not only help you to understand the disorders but it will also help you empathize with the characters.

 Without further ado, here are some movies that are actually worth your time…

 12. A BEAUTIFUL MIND
Genre: Biography & Drama

 11. FATAL ATTRACTION

Genre: Drama & Thriller

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