How the brain works? Difference between neuropsychology, neurology, and psychiatry

You haven’t felt right for a while, you have tried to talk to family and friends, but they don’t know how to help you. You know there are some changes that need to be made in your life, but you don’t know how or where to begin. Not even where you should go.

Here in ABM Psychological Services are specialists in psychology, but we positively know the importance of working in a Multi Disciplinary Team. We know that sometimes our field seems opaque with blurred boundaries, so we are committed to provide a shred of light in the matter and help people to understand why we are here and what our purpose is.

Firstly, we should discuss the different array of areas which are dedicated to the brain to understand what does who.

So, what’s the difference between neuropsychology, neurology, and psychiatry?

These three fields are all related to the brain, but they have different focuses.

• Neuropsychology is the study of how the brain affects behaviour. This includes cognitive functions such as memory, attention, language, and executive function; and the emotional status and personality disturbances, such as depression, anxiety, or irritability from a talking therapeutic point of view. This means, discussing the reasons why someone is behaving in a particular way. This may include tests or journalising.
• Neurology is the medical specialty that deals with disorders of the nervous system. This includes the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. They explain what the visible symptoms from a particular affectation are in one of these. They will support their clinical hypothesis with neuroimaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) computerized tomography (CT) positron emission tomography (PET) electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG).
• Psychiatry is the medical specialty that deals with mental health disorders. These are personality disturbances which include depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. Although they deal with disturbances which are considered clinically more severe, hence require medication. Psychiatrists have talking interactions with the patients too, but as medics, the main focus is prescribing the right drugs to balance the chemical signals within the brain. They use diagnostic manuals of mental disorders.

 So, how do these three fields overlap?

Neurology and neuropsychology often work together to diagnose and treat brain disorders. For example, a neurologist may order brain imaging tests to diagnose a brain tumor, and then a neuropsychologist may conduct tests to assess the patient’s cognitive function.

Psychiatry and neuropsychology also overlap. For example, a psychiatrist may use some psychological testing to assess a patient’s cognitive function before prescribing medication.

If you are concerned about a brain disorder, it is important to see a neurologist. The neurologist will diagnose the disorder and may refer you to a neuropsychologist or psychiatrist for further evaluation and treatment.