Which professional is a medical doctor who specializes in illnesses of the brain and body that affect emotions and behavior and can prescribe medications for depression?

• A. Psychologist
• B. Psychiatrist
• C. MyPlate
• D. Basal Metabolic Rate

Answer: (B)

When you’re looking for someone who treats mental health conditions and can prescribe medications, the professional who is a medical doctor and specializes in how the brain and body affect emotions and behavior is a psychiatrist. They go through medical school and a residency in psychiatry, learning to diagnose mental illnesses and to treat them with medications like antidepressants, sometimes alongside therapy.

A psychologist, while skilled in therapy and psychological testing, isn’t a medical doctor and typically does not prescribe medications. MyPlate is a dietary guidance framework, and Basal Metabolic Rate is a measure used in nutrition and metabolism—not a professional. So the option that fits best is the psychiatrist.