Which of the following statements about diagnosing and treating psychological disorders is correct?

• A. Neither psychologists nor psychiatrists need a medical degree to diagnose psychological disorders.
• B. A psychiatrist is required to have a medical degree to diagnose and treat psychological disorders.
• C. Only clinical social workers can diagnose and treat psychological disorders.
• D. A psychologist must have a medical degree to diagnose and treat psychological disorders.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the roles of different professionals in diagnosing and treating psychological disorders: psychologists, psychiatrists, and clinical social workers.
2. Recognize that psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs) who have completed medical school and specialized training in psychiatry, allowing them to prescribe medication and diagnose mental health conditions.
3. Know that psychologists typically hold a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology but do not have a medical degree; they can diagnose and treat psychological disorders primarily through therapy and psychological testing, but usually cannot prescribe medication.
4. Be aware that clinical social workers provide therapy and support but generally do not have the authority to diagnose or prescribe medication for psychological disorders.
5. Based on these distinctions, identify the correct statement as the one that accurately reflects the requirement of a medical degree for psychiatrists to diagnose and treat psychological disorders.