Psychiatry & Neurology

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What do Psychiatrists & Neurologists do?

Psychiatry focuses on mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders, while neurology deals with diseases and injuries of the nervous system. 

While traditionally distinct, the fields increasingly overlap, leading to collaboration, combined training programs, and the emerging specialty of neuropsychiatry, which integrates both perspectives to understand the brain’s role in mental disorders. 

Both specialists are board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) and may collaborate to manage conditions affecting the mind and brain. 

Psychiatry

Focus: The diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. 

Scope: Includes managing conditions such as schizophrenia, substance abuse, and adjustment disorders, as well as issues related to the social and psychological aspects of health. 

Neurology

Focus: The diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries affecting the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles. 

Scope: Includes conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, dementia, and various sensory and movement disorders. 

Psychiatrist

Focus: The mind, encompassing thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and mental health. 

Conditions Treated: Depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and addiction. 

Treatment Methods: Psychotherapy, counseling, medication, and a combination of both. 

Neurologist

Focus: The physical structure and function of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. 

Conditions Treated: Stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, headaches, and chronic pain. 

Diagnostic Tools: Neurological examinations, physical examinations, imaging tests (such as MRI scans), and electroencephalograms (EEGs). 

Key Differences

Psychiatrists treat mental, emotional, and behavioral conditions, focusing on the mind’s processes.

In contrast, neurologists treat physical disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system, focusing on their structure and function. 

Neurologists diagnose conditions with physical exams and neurological tests, treating conditions like epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease. 

Psychiatrists use psychotherapy and medication for disorders such as depression and anxiety. 

Nature of Conditions: Neurologists address physiological or physical illnesses, whereas psychiatrists address psychological or behavioral disorders. 

Patient Care: Psychiatrists often focus on emotional and behavioral patterns in longer therapy sessions. Neurologists focus on diagnosing physical disorders using specialized medical tests and monitoring their progression. 

Overlap and Collaboration

There can be an overlap, as neurological conditions can cause psychiatric symptoms and vice versa. For example, depression is common in people with Parkinson’s disease or after a stroke. 

In such cases, a collaborative approach between a neurologist and a psychiatrist may be necessary for comprehensive care. 

Neuropsychiatry: This growing field combines the expertise of both fields to address mental disorders stemming from neurological conditions, such as depression following a stroke. 

Shared Expertise: Both psychiatrists and neurologists specialize in the brain, can prescribe medication, and may be involved in managing overlapping conditions. 

Complementary Narratives: Neurologists describe problems in terms of physical brain damage or circuit interruptions, while psychiatrists consider psychological factors such as defense mechanisms, cognition, and existential fears, which are not mutually exclusive. 

When to See a Specialist 

See a Neurologist if you experience physical symptoms such as weakness, pain, dizziness, seizures, tremors, or difficulties with movement, memory, or sensation.

See a Psychiatrist if you are struggling with symptoms of depression, overwhelming anxiety, significant mood changes, difficulty managing stress, or other behavioral or emotional challenges.

The Future

Many believe the future of these fields lies in greater integration, moving beyond the historical separation of “mind” and “brain” to a more holistic understanding of neuropsychiatric conditions. 

Collaborative efforts and combined training programs for both specialties are increasing to provide comprehensive care for patients with complex disorders. 

Addiction Medicine Physicians

Healthcare Taxonomy Code 2084A0401X

A doctor of osteopathic medicine board-eligible/certified in Psychiatry by the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry can obtain a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Addiction Medicine.

Addiction Psychiatrists

Healthcare Taxonomy Code 2084P0802X

Addiction Psychiatry is a subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on the evaluation and treatment of individuals with alcohol, drug, or other substance-related disorders, and of individuals with dual diagnosis of substance-related and other psychiatric disorders.

Behavioral Neurology & Neuropsychiatry Physicians

Healthcare Taxonomy Code 2084B0040X

Behavioral Neurology & Neuropsychiatry is a medical subspecialty involving the diagnosis and treatment of neurologically based behavioral issues.

Brain Injury Medicine Physicians

Healthcare Taxonomy Code 2084P0301X

A Brain Injury Medicine physician specializes in disorders of brain function due to injury and disease. 

These disorders encompass a range of medical, physical, neurologic, cognitive, sensory, and behavioral conditions that lead to psychosocial, educational, and vocational consequences.

Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Physicians

Healthcare Taxonomy Code 2084P0804X

A neurologist or child neurologist who specializes in the diagnosis and management of disorders of nerve, muscle, or neuromuscular junction, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, peripheral neuropathies (e.g., diabetic and immune-mediated neuropathies), various muscular dystrophies, congenital and acquired myopathies, inflammatory myopathies (e.g., polymyositis, inclusion body myositis), and neuromuscular transmission disorders (e.g., myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome).

Clinical Neurophysiology Physicians

Healthcare Taxonomy Code 2084N0600X

Clinical Neurophysiology is a subspecialty with psychiatric or neurologic expertise in the diagnosis and management of central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous system disorders using combined clinical evaluation and electrophysiologic testing such as electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), and nerve conduction studies (NCS).

Diagnostic Neuroimaging Physicians

Healthcare Taxonomy Code 2084D0003X

A licensed physician who has completed a residency program in Neurology and has additional training, experience, and competence in the standards of performance and interpretation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI/MRA) of the head, spine, and peripheral nerves, and Computed Tomography (CT) of the head and spine. Physicians are trained in the administration of contrast media and the recognition and treatment of adverse reactions to contrast media.

Neuroimaging training encompasses thorough knowledge of clinical neurology, neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, neuropharmacology, and cerebrospinal fluid dynamics. 

Physicians possess specialized expertise in the technical aspects and clinical applications of each neuroimaging modality and technique.

Epilepsy Physicians

Healthcare Taxonomy Code 2084E0001X

Epilepsy is a subspecialty of neurology focused on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with epilepsy, including new-onset, medically refractory epilepsy, psychogenic nonepileptic seizures, and epilepsy in special populations (the elderly, women, patients with co-morbidities). Epilepsy is a multidisciplinary field that offers comprehensive care for patients.

Forensic Psychiatry Physicians

Healthcare Taxonomy Code 2084F0202X

Forensic Psychiatry is a subspecialty with a psychiatric focus on the interrelationships between civil, criminal, and administrative law. It also involves the evaluation and specialized treatment of individuals involved with the legal system, including those incarcerated in jails, prisons, and forensic psychiatry hospitals.

Geriatric Psychiatry Physicians

Healthcare Taxonomy Code 2084P0805X

Geriatric Psychiatry is a subspecialty with psychiatric expertise in the prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional disorders in the elderly, and improvement of psychiatric care for healthy and ill elderly patients.

Hospice and Palliative Medicine Physicians

Healthcare Taxonomy Code 2084H0002X

A psychiatrist or neurologist with special knowledge and skills to prevent and relieve the suffering experienced by patients with life-limiting illnesses.

This specialist collaborates with an interdisciplinary hospice or palliative care team to maximize the patient’s quality of life while addressing the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs of both the patient and their family throughout the course of the disease, during the dying process, and beyond. 

This specialist has expertise in assessing patients with advanced disease and relieving distressing symptoms.

They coordinate interdisciplinary, patient- and family-centered care across diverse settings, utilize specialized care systems, including hospice, manage patients who are imminently dying, and make legal and ethical decisions in end-of-life care.

Neurocritical Care Physicians

Healthcare Taxonomy Code 2084A2900X

The medical subspecialty of Neurocritical Care provides comprehensive, multisystem care for critically ill neurological patients.

Like other intensivists, neurointensivists generally assume the primary role in coordinating their patients’ care in the ICU, encompassing both neurological and medical management. 

They may also provide consultative services for these patients as requested within the health system.

Neuromuscular Medicine Physicians

Healthcare Taxonomy Code 2084N0008X

A neurologist or child neurologist who specializes in the diagnosis and management of disorders of nerve, muscle, or neuromuscular junction, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, peripheral neuropathies (e.g., diabetic and immune-mediated neuropathies), various muscular dystrophies, congenital and acquired myopathies, inflammatory myopathies (e.g., polymyositis, inclusion body myositis), and neuromuscular transmission disorders (e.g., myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome).

Neurology Physicians

Healthcare Taxonomy Code 2084N0400X

A Neurologist specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases or impairments of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, muscles, autonomic nervous system, and the blood vessels associated with these structures.

Neurology with Special Qualifications in Child Neurology Physicians

Healthcare Taxonomy Code 2084N0402X

A Child Neurologist specializes in neurology and has exceptional skills in diagnosing and treating neurologic disorders in the neonatal period, infancy, early childhood, and adolescence.

Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Physicians

Healthcare Taxonomy Code 2084P0005X

A neurologist who specializes in the treatment of individuals with developmental delays and learning disorders associated with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, autism, and other chronic neurologic conditions.

Obesity Medicine Physicians

Healthcare Taxonomy Code 2084B0002X

A physician specializing in obesity treatment demonstrates competency and a thorough understanding of the condition, as well as the genetic, biological, environmental, social, and behavioral factors that contribute to its development.

The obesity medicine physician employs therapeutic interventions including diet, physical activity, behavioral change, and pharmacotherapy.

The obesity medicine physician employs a comprehensive approach that may include additional resources, such as dietitians, exercise physiologists, mental health professionals, and bariatric surgeons, as indicated, to achieve optimal results.

Additionally, the obesity medicine physician maintains competency in providing pre-, peri-, and post-surgical care for bariatric surgery patients, promotes obesity prevention, and advocates for those who suffer from obesity.

Pain Medicine Physicians

Healthcare Taxonomy Code 2084P2900X

A neurologist, child neurologist, or psychiatrist who provides a high level of care, either as a primary physician or consultant, for patients experiencing problems with acute, chronic, or cancer pain in both hospital and ambulatory settings. Patient care needs may also be coordinated with other specialists.

Psychiatrists

Healthcare Taxonomy Code 2084P0800X

A Psychiatrist specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders, emotional disorders, psychotic disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance-related disorders, sexual and gender identity disorders, and adjustment disorders.

Biological, psychological, and social components of illnesses are explored and understood in the treatment of the whole person.

Tools used may include diagnostic laboratory tests, prescribed medications, evaluation and treatment of psychological and interpersonal problems with individuals and families, and interventions to help individuals cope with stress, crises, and other challenges.

Psychosomatic Medicine Physicians

Healthcare Taxonomy Code 2084P0015X

Psychosomatic Medicine is a subspecialty in the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders and symptoms in complex medically ill patients.

This subspecialty includes the treatment of patients with acute or chronic medical, neurological, obstetrical, or surgical illness in which psychiatric illness is affecting their medical care and/or quality of life, such as HIV infection, organ transplantation, heart disease, renal failure, cancer, stroke, traumatic brain injury, high-risk pregnancy, and COPD, among others.

Patients also may be those who have a psychiatric disorder that is the direct consequence of a primary medical condition, or a somatoform disorder, or psychological factors affecting a general medical condition.

Psychiatrists specializing in Psychosomatic Medicine provide consultation-liaison services in general medical hospitals, attend on medical psychiatry inpatient units, and provide collaborative care in primary care and other outpatient settings.

Sleep Medicine Physicians

Healthcare Taxonomy Code 2084S0012X

A Psychiatrist or Neurologist who practices Sleep Medicine is certified in the subspecialty and specializes in the clinical assessment, physiologic testing, diagnosis, management, and prevention of sleep and circadian rhythm disorders.

Sleep specialists treat patients of all ages and employ multidisciplinary approaches.

Disorders managed by sleep specialists include, but are not limited to, sleep-related breathing disorders, insomnia, hypersomnias, circadian rhythm sleep disorders, parasomnias, and sleep-related movement disorders.

Sports Medicine Physicians

Healthcare Taxonomy Code 2084S0010X

A psychiatrist or neurologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of sports-related conditions and injuries.

Vascular Neurology Physicians

Healthcare Taxonomy Code 2084V0102X

Vascular Neurology is a subspecialty in the evaluation, prevention, treatment, and recovery from vascular diseases of the nervous system.

This subspecialty encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of vascular events of arterial or venous origin, which result from a wide range of causes affecting the brain or spinal cord, including ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, spinal cord ischemia, and spinal cord hemorrhage.

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