Final answer:
To receive medication for a psychological disorder, you should see a psychiatrist, who can prescribe medication and monitor its effects. Psychiatrists are distinct from clinical psychologists, who cannot generally prescribe but provide therapy and counseling. Other neuroscience professionals also may treat mental disorders, but their roles typically do not involve prescribing medication.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you are looking to receive medication for a psychological disorder, you should see a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists are medical doctors with an MD degree who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental disorders and can prescribe medication. On the other hand, clinical psychologists, who may have a PhD or a PsyD, are qualified to conduct therapy and counseling, administer and interpret psychological tests, but typically cannot prescribe medication unless specifically allowed in some states.
Treatments for psychological disorders vary and may include psychoactive drugs such as antidepressants, anxiolytics, stimulants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers. These medications are used to manage conditions including depression, anxiety disorders, attention deficit disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Side effects can be associated with these treatments, so it's essential to discuss these with a psychiatrist who can help manage the medication and monitor your health.
Professionals with a medical degree and specialization in neuroscience may also treat mental disorders in other capacities, such as neuropsychologists, neuroscience nurses, or neurodiagnostic technicians. However, these roles often focus on different aspects of treatment and may not include prescribing medication.