probably a silly question...

I feel like I should know this or that it should be easy to find out... nope! lol.

Is there a set structure to what type of "professional" can give a mental DX? is it reserved for psychiatrists and ..... etc..

Thanks,

Oldsoul

Yep, you got it. Because they are medical doctors as well as mental health specialists. Not a silly question.

I think general practitioners or family doctors can give a diagnosis like depression/anxiety also.

Psychologists are also able to diagnose disorders and MHI and I believe a Social Worker is also able to diagnose. At least that's the way it is here in Oregon...I think.

Diagnosing Mental Illness

4.1 Mental Health Professionals

To be diagnosed with a mental illness, a person must be evaluated by a qualified professional who has expertise in mental health. Mental health professionals include psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, social workers, and mental health counselors. Family doctors, internists, and pediatricians are usually qualified to diagnose common mental disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, and ADHD. In many cases, depending on the individual and his or her symptoms, a mental health professional who is not a psychiatrist will refer the patient to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D.) who has received additional training in the field of mental health and mental illnesses. Psychiatrists evaluate the person’s mental condition in coordination with his or her physical condition and can prescribe medication. Only psychiatrists and other M.D.s can prescribe medications to treat mental illness.
http://science.education.nih.gov/sup...o-mental-a.htm

Psychologists are allowed to prescribe meds in certain places.

so much better said than what i was about to type Byz, but i'm self-impressed that i was right in what i would have said! No, honest.. i was right i swear!

where are psychologists allowed to prescribe? i've never heard of that. Only MD's can prescribe here, including pdocs of course.

Nice one Byz - I think it is important to notice that legislation does vary in different countries.
In South Africe, I think it's pretty much as described above and a psychologist cannot prescribe meds. Not sure about making a diagnosis though

Thanks for the replies,

I was not sure exactly who could and who could not, that clears it up.

Oldsoul

please be careful, like someone already noticed in africa the different countries have different rules and regulations.

you are in canada so who is able to diagnose and prescribe medicaitons may be different than for example the USA.

Here in the USA for certain mental disorders only a psychiatrist can diagnose. kind of like you wouldnt go to a kidney doctor to get diagnosed for a stubbed toe. a general practice medical doctor can diagnose stubbed toes but they cant diagnose kidney specific kidney diseases so they send you to a nephrologist (kidney specialist).

for mental disorders a medical doctor can diagnose things like depression and ADHD but for more serious mental conditions here in the USA you are referred to a psychiatrist that does more indepth diagnostic testing of mental disorders. The same with psychologists here in america. there are some mental disorders they are able to diagnose but then for others that may require more indepth diagnostic testing you are referred to a psychiatrist that works with that disorder being considered.

Medications here in the USA psychiatrists and medical doctors are equally qualified and licensed to dispense the same medications. Though some medical doctors prefer not to prescribe medications for mental disorders so they refer you to a psychiatrist for that.

to find out what the rules and regulations for your state and county contact a mental health agency in your area. they can also tell you where you need to go for diagnostic testing and prescriptions for mental disorders based on your individual symptoms history and needs.