Neurology vs. Psychiatry: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to brain health, many people are confused about whether they need a neurologist or a psychiatrist. While both deal with the brain and how it functions, they focus on different aspects of brain health and disease. Understanding the difference between these two fields can help you make better decisions about your health or the health of your loved ones.

What Is Neurology?

Neurology is a branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the nervous system. This includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves throughout the body. Neurologists diagnose and treat conditions like:

• Stroke
• Epilepsy
• Parkinson’s disease
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Migraines and headaches
• Multiple sclerosis
• Neuropathy

These are often physical or structural issues with the nervous system that can be seen on brain scans, nerve conduction tests, or spinal taps.

Did you know? According to WHO, over 1 billion people globally suffer from neurological disorders, including over 50 million with epilepsy and 24 million with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

What Is Psychiatry?

Psychiatry, on the other hand, is a medical field that focuses on mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders. Psychiatrists are trained medical doctors who diagnose and treat conditions such as:

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Substance abuse

These disorders are more about how the brain functions rather than physical damage to it. Psychiatrists often use talk therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

Fact: The WHO estimates that 1 in 8 people globally are living with a mental health disorder. Depression alone affects 280 million people worldwide.

Training & Tools Used

Both neurologists and psychiatrists attend medical school, but their specialties diverge after that.

Neurologists train in internal medicine and neurology. They use tools like MRIs, EEGs, and lumbar punctures.

Psychiatrists specialize in mental health and often incorporate therapy and psychotropic medications into their treatment. Their tools include psychological evaluations and diagnostic interviews.

When Should You See a Neurologist vs. a Psychiatrist?

Here’s a simple way to think about it:

• See a neurologist if you have headaches, seizures, memory problems, tremors, numbness, or movement difficulties.
• See a psychiatrist if you’re struggling with mood changes, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, hallucinations, sleep issues, or emotional distress.

Is There Overlap?

Absolutely. Some conditions, like dementia, traumatic brain injury, or seizures, may require both a neurologist and a psychiatrist. This is because neurological disorders often impact mood and behaviour, while mental health issues can sometimes have neurological symptoms.

Understanding the difference between neurology and psychiatry is more than just medical knowledge; it’s about knowing where to turn when you or a loved one needs help. Both neurologists and psychiatrists play vital roles in ensuring brain and mental well-being.

Don’t hesitate to seek help. Whether it’s your nerves or your thoughts, there’s a specialist out there ready to listen, diagnose, and guide you toward healing.