Question

Dr. Wagner works in a large hospital. She specializes in treating adolescents with eating disorders. She prescribes antidepressants and, occasionally, antianxiety medication for some of her patients. Based on information, Dr. Wagner is a:

A. clinical psychologist.
B. counselor.
C. psychiatrist.
D. psychiatric social worker.

Answer 1

Dr. Wagner, who specializes in treating adolescents with eating disorders and can prescribe medications, is a psychiatrist, as they are qualified to prescribe drugs, unlike other mental health professionals.

• Dr. Wagner, who works in a large hospital specializing in treating adolescents with eating disorders and has the ability to prescribe antidepressants and, occasionally, antianxiety medication, is most likely to be a psychiatrist.
• This is because psychiatrists are medical doctors with a doctor of medicine degree (MD) who can prescribe medication, a practice that is not within the scope of clinical psychologists, counselors, or psychiatric social workers.
• Treatment of eating disorders often includes mental health counseling, medications, nutritional counseling, and sometimes hospitalization, all areas where a psychiatrist would be involved, especially when prescription medication is required as part of the treatment plan.