What are Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology?
Psychiatry
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who holds a state license and, in most cases, board certification in a specialty such as psychopharmacology. Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication and have expertise in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of emotional, behavioral, and mental disorders.
Psychopharmacology
Sometimes called drug or medication therapy, psychopharmacology includes the use of medications to help change or regulate mental activity, mood, and behavior. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety agents are among the most commonly prescribed psychopharmacologic drugs.
Psychopharmacologists are psychiatrists who specialize in the use of medications to lessen or eliminate psychological, neurological, and behavioral problems.