It’s The American Psychiatric Association which produces the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Only MD’s can determine the criteria for medical illnesses, including those related to mental health.

Psychologists have no medical training to speak of. We did have a course about the effects and side effects of psychotropic medicines, since some of our clients may be taking them, but only a doctor can prescribe them. That’s about it.

Bill

PS To recall the difference, perhaps this will help:

A psychologist and a psychiatrist were jogging through their sub-division one morning when they happen to see a dog on one of the lawns licking himself.

The psychologist glanced at his companion and said, “I guess you have patients who wish that they could do that.”

The psychiatrist nodded and replied, “I wish I could do that myself, but I’m afraid the dog might bite me.”