Should depression be treated by a psychologist or a psychiatrist?

Generally, individuals with depression can seek help from either the psychology department or the psychiatry department. The choice usually depends on the hospital's departmental structure or medical advice. Specific details are as follows:

1. Psychology Department

The psychology department specializes in diagnosing, predicting, and intervening in abnormal psychological conditions, behaviors, and emotions. It researches, diagnoses, and treats various psychological disorders, such as anxiety disorder, depression, and phobias. Since depression falls within the scope of diagnosis and treatment of this department, and some patients with depression may require psychological therapy, it is appropriate to visit the psychology department.

2. Psychiatry Department

Depression is a condition characterized by psychological and behavioral abnormalities that differ from those of healthy individuals and is classified under psychiatry in medical categorization. The psychiatry department primarily diagnoses and treats mental disorders, psychological disorders, personality disorders, etc., so patients with depression may also consult this department.

Timely treatment upon the onset of psychiatric symptoms helps control the progression of the illness.