Key Differences Between Psychologists, Psychiatrists, & Psychometricians

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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

How An Anxiety Attack Changed My View On Life

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LUB-DUB, LUB-DUB, LUB-DUB


 I heard my heart pound as fast as it could! It was as if horses want to escape out of my chest. I was getting dizzier as time passed. Not to mention, I was sweating profusely. Every hair on my body went up! I knew I needed a break. My body's alarm system craved my attention.

 WHAT REALLY HAPPENED

 I am happy to walk you through the beginning. From a young age, my parents and my resources have blessed with the academic skills to do well in school. I was consistently in the "higher level classes" and have been in the honor roll. I finished with undergraduate degree when I was 19 and earned Second-class honours (i.e., 2i or Magna cum laude). Soon after, I fulfilled my childhood dream by becoming an author. Few years down the road, I had set my mind to a distinct career path. I was offered a coveted promotion that people typically receive at the height of their careers.

 By merely reading the above paragraph, you will get a grasp of how seemingly fast-paced my life is. Imagine my initial reaction!

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