Difference Between Forensic Psychology And Psychiatry

Forensic Psychology and Psychiatry

Now let’s get started on a new subject: forensic psychology. For those of you who are interested in forensic psychology, be aware that you will have to be a competent psychologist or psychiatrist first and foremost. You will get some training directly in forensics, although the bulk of your education will be in pure psychology.

Psychology and Psychiatry Basics

Forensic psychology or psychiatry has two definitions—a broad and narrow term. The broad definition of forensic psychology is the application of research and experimentation in other areas of psychology to the legal arena.

This includes applying everything from cognitive psychology, social psychology, to criminal psychology, and to child psychology.

(Doctor of Medicine). During residency, the psychiatrist receives specialized training in psychiatry, as well as training in psychotherapy and often training in psychoanalysis. Psychiatry tends to focus on the use of medications for treatment, and psychiatrists are able to prescribe medications to their patients.

I point out the differences between these two, because during our discussion of forensic psychology, I will be talking about professionals that treat patients directly, and those that simply render an opinion. If you go into this field, I want you to know the schooling you are required to have.

A forensic psychologist is a little bit different than some of the other applications of science to the courts of law that we’ve been talking about over the past few units. Most forensic scientists will analyze, compare, identify, and interpret physical evidence, in order to link it to a suspect, a victim, and/or a crime scene. Forensic psychology is a little bit different. Because it is the application of psychology to the law, it has to do with interpretation of non-physical evidence, with the dealings of the mind, with the analysis of behavior, and with the application of medical treatment in forensic settings. This can make it a little more confusing than, say, a forensic chemist or a forensic