What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
psychiatric
Example
The patient was referred to a psychiatric hospital for further evaluation. [psychiatric: adjective]
Example
The psychiatrist prescribed medication to help manage the patient's symptoms. [psychiatrist: noun]
psychological
Example
The psychological effects of trauma can be long-lasting. [psychological: adjective]
Example
The patient underwent psychological counseling to address their anxiety. [psychological: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Psychological is more commonly used than psychiatric in everyday language. Psychological is a broader field that encompasses various sub-disciplines, while psychiatric is a more specific field of medicine.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between psychiatric and psychological?
Psychiatric is typically associated with a more formal tone due to its medical nature, while psychological can be used in both formal and informal contexts.