Practise Edexcel IAL Psychology questions on clinical disorders, explanations and treatments, applying evidence to symptoms, diagnosis and intervention choices.
Rahul has been finding it difficult to take part in his usual daily activities. He has found it increasingly difficult to leave his house. Rahul feels worried and nervous when meeting new people and he has stopped attending social events with his friends.
A psychiatrist and their trainee have both independently diagnosed Rahul with the same mental health condition using the DSM classification system. Rahul's treatment is helping him return to his usual daily activities.
Describe how Rahul's mental health condition could be defined as a failure to function adequately.
AO2 (2 marks)
Credit up to two mark for an accurate description in relation to the
scenario.
For example;
- Rahul demonstrates a failure to function as he is unable to cope
with the demands of his everyday life to take part in his usual
activities or leave his house causing him suffering (1) and is also
unable to cope with social events because he is fearful of meeting
new people (1)
Generic answers score 0 marks.
Look for other reasonable marking points.
(2)
Explain one reason why Rahul believes his diagnosis is valid. (2)
( )
Clinical Psychology
AO2 (1 mark), AO3 (1 mark)
Credit one mark for accurate identification of one reason in relation to
the scenario (AO2).
Credit one mark for justification/exemplification of the reason (AO3).
For example;
- Rahul may believe his diagnosis is valid as he receives the same
independent diagnosis from his psychiatrist and their trainee for
his symptoms of fear and social isolation (1), as Brown et al.
(2001) found that two interviews using the DSM IV criteria gave
the same diagnosis of anxiety and mood disorders in 362
outpatients (1).
Generic answers score 0 marks.
Look for other reasonable marking points.
(2)
\begin{tabular}[t]{|l|l|l|}
\hline
In your studies of clinical psychology, you will have learned about the diagnosis of mental health disorders.
Explain whether the diagnosis of mental health disorders can be considered valid.
AO1 (2 marks), AO3 (2 marks)
Credit up to two marks for an accurate identification (AO1)
Credit up to two marks for justification/exemplification (AO3)
For example;
- Diagnosis can be considered valid as the DSM and ICD have
criterion validity when they are both used and diagnose the same
disorder (1) This is shown by Andrews et al. (1999) who found
agreement in diagnosis in 1500 people for depression, substance
dependence and anxiety, using the DSM-IV and ICD-10 (1).
However, differences in interpreting symptoms can reduce the
construct validity of operationalised diagnosis criteria which
reduces validity of diagnosis (1). Cooper et al. (1972) reported
that New York psychiatrists are twice as likely than London
psychiatrists to diagnose schizophrenia when shown the same
video-taped clinical interviews, so criteria may not be objectively
interpreted (1).
Look for other reasonable marking points.
(4)
Justify the statement that the DSM V has greater cultural sensitivity than the DSM IVR.
AO3 (2 marks)
Credit up to two marks for justification
For example;
- The DSM V has greater cultural sensitivity because there is
updated criteria to reflect cross-cultural variations in the
presentation of symptoms (1). There is also a clinical formulation
interview guide that includes cultural questions, so clinicians can
assess the cultural factors influencing a patient's own perspective
of their symptoms (1).
Look for other reasonable marking points.
(2)
In your studies of clinical psychology you will have learned about mental health disorders such as schizophrenia.
Describe the symptoms and/or features of schizophrenia.
AO1 (3 marks)
Credit up to three marks for description of the symptoms and/or features of
schizophrenia.
For example:
- One symptom is auditory hallucinations, which is where sufferers hear
something that is not there (1) such as if they hear voices telling them
that they are useless (1). Another symptom may be where sufferers are
delusional, believing something that is not true (1).
Look for other reasonable marking points.
(3)
You will have also learned about either unipolar depression or anorexia nervosa.
Explain two strengths of one biological explanation for either unipolar depression or anorexia nervosa.
Chosen disorder
Strength 1
Strength 2
AO1 (2 marks), AO3 (2 marks)
Credit one mark for accurate identification of each strength (AO1)
Credit one mark for justification/exemplification of each strength (AO3)
For example:
Unipolar depression
Strength one
- Geddes et al. (2003) found that antidepressants which increase
serotonin were effective in reducing relapse which links depression to
neurotransmitter levels (1) and showed an 18\% relapse vs. 41\% for a
placebo group which lasted up to three years so gives the monoamine
hypothesis validity (1).
Strength two
- Emslie et al. (1997) found that fluoxetine was significantly more effective
than placebo in two RCTs with children and adolescents which supports
the monoamine hypothesis (1) as it shows that SSRIs like fluoxetine
which increase serotonin gives the theory validity with different
populations (1).
Anorexia nervosa
- Kortegaard et al. (2001) found concordance for twins was higher in MZ
than DZ twins which supports the view that genes contribute to
anorexia (1) with heritability estimates of 0.48 for narrow definitions of
self-reported anorexia of 34,142 young Danish twins, giving the theory
validity (1).
- Bulik et al. (2006) found heritability of narrowly defined anorexia of 0.56
which supports at least part genetic basis for the disorder (1) and
suggests that more than half of the cause of disorder is heritable when
assessing 31,406 twins in Sweden so the explanation has validity (1).
Look for other reasonable marking points.
(4)
Rahul has been finding it difficult to take part in his usual daily activities. He has found it increasingly difficult to leave his house. Rahul feels worried and nervous when meeting new people and he has stopped attending social events with his friends.
A psychiatrist and their trainee have both independently diagnosed Rahul with the same mental health condition using the DSM classification system. Rahul's treatment is helping him return to his usual daily activities.
Describe how Rahul's mental health condition could be defined as a failure to function adequately.
AO2 (2 marks)
Credit up to two mark for an accurate description in relation to the
scenario.
For example;
- Rahul demonstrates a failure to function as he is unable to cope
with the demands of his everyday life to take part in his usual
activities or leave his house causing him suffering (1) and is also
unable to cope with social events because he is fearful of meeting
new people (1)
Generic answers score 0 marks.
Look for other reasonable marking points.
(2)
In your studies of clinical psychology, you will have learned about the diagnosis of mental health disorders.
Justify the statement that the DSM V has greater cultural sensitivity than the DSM IVR.
AO3 (2 marks)
Credit up to two marks for justification
For example;
- The DSM V has greater cultural sensitivity because there is
updated criteria to reflect cross-cultural variations in the
presentation of symptoms (1). There is also a clinical formulation
interview guide that includes cultural questions, so clinicians can
assess the cultural factors influencing a patient's own perspective
of their symptoms (1).
Look for other reasonable marking points.
(2)
In your studies of clinical psychology, you will have learned about the diagnosis of mental health disorders.
Explain whether the diagnosis of mental health disorders can be considered valid.
AO1 (2 marks), AO3 (2 marks)
Credit up to two marks for an accurate identification (AO1)
Credit up to two marks for justification/exemplification (AO3)
For example;
- Diagnosis can be considered valid as the DSM and ICD have
criterion validity when they are both used and diagnose the same
disorder (1) This is shown by Andrews et al. (1999) who found
agreement in diagnosis in 1500 people for depression, substance
dependence and anxiety, using the DSM-IV and ICD-10 (1).
However, differences in interpreting symptoms can reduce the
construct validity of operationalised diagnosis criteria which
reduces validity of diagnosis (1). Cooper et al. (1972) reported
that New York psychiatrists are twice as likely than London
psychiatrists to diagnose schizophrenia when shown the same
video-taped clinical interviews, so criteria may not be objectively
interpreted (1).
Look for other reasonable marking points.
(4)
In your studies of clinical psychology you will have learned about mental health disorders such as schizophrenia.
Describe the symptoms and/or features of schizophrenia.
AO1 (3 marks)
Credit up to three marks for description of the symptoms and/or features of
schizophrenia.
For example:
- One symptom is auditory hallucinations, which is where sufferers hear
something that is not there (1) such as if they hear voices telling them
that they are useless (1). Another symptom may be where sufferers are
delusional, believing something that is not true (1).
Look for other reasonable marking points.
(3)
In your studies of clinical psychology you will have learned about mental health disorders such as schizophrenia.
You will have also learned about either unipolar depression or anorexia nervosa.
Explain two strengths of one biological explanation for either unipolar depression or anorexia nervosa.
Chosen disorder
Strength 1
Strength 2
AO1 (2 marks), AO3 (2 marks)
Credit one mark for accurate identification of each strength (AO1)
Credit one mark for justification/exemplification of each strength (AO3)
For example:
Unipolar depression
Strength one
- Geddes et al. (2003) found that antidepressants which increase
serotonin were effective in reducing relapse which links depression to
neurotransmitter levels (1) and showed an 18\% relapse vs. 41\% for a
placebo group which lasted up to three years so gives the monoamine
hypothesis validity (1).
Strength two
- Emslie et al. (1997) found that fluoxetine was significantly more effective
than placebo in two RCTs with children and adolescents which supports
the monoamine hypothesis (1) as it shows that SSRIs like fluoxetine
which increase serotonin gives the theory validity with different
populations (1).
Anorexia nervosa
- Kortegaard et al. (2001) found concordance for twins was higher in MZ
than DZ twins which supports the view that genes contribute to
anorexia (1) with heritability estimates of 0.48 for narrow definitions of
self-reported anorexia of 34,142 young Danish twins, giving the theory
validity (1).
- Bulik et al. (2006) found heritability of narrowly defined anorexia of 0.56
which supports at least part genetic basis for the disorder (1) and
suggests that more than half of the cause of disorder is heritable when
assessing 31,406 twins in Sweden so the explanation has validity (1).
Look for other reasonable marking points.
(4)
In your studies of clinical psychology, you will have learned about either unipolar depression or anorexia nervosa.
Explain one strength and one weakness of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for your chosen mental health disorder.
Chosen disorder
Strength
Weakness
AO1 (2 marks), AO3 (2 marks)
Credit one mark for accurate identification of a strength and weakness
(AO1)
Credit one mark for justification/exemplification of the strength and
weakness (AO3)
For example;
Unipolar Depression
Strength
- Cognitive behavioural therapy can be used in combination with
other treatments and is considered to be effective alongside
SSRI's for treating unipolar depression (1). Wiles et al. (2013)
found that patients undertaking CBT with anti-depressant
medications saw a reduction in their unipolar depression
symptoms (1).
Weakness
- Completing the homework tasks to reflect on their experiences of
depression when they are away from the therapy session may be
difficult for clients with depression (1) as these tasks require a
motivation that the clients may not feel due to some of their
symptoms, such as diminished interests in daily life (1).
Anorexia Nervosa
- CBT can challenge negative thoughts and helps question faulty
beliefs about weight and body image to develop positive self-talk
about food and weight (1). Pike et al. (2003) found CBT was more
effective than nutritional counselling in improving outcome and
preventing relapse in anorexia nervosa (1).
- CBT may not address other influences in the onset of anorexia
nervosa, for example the impact of external factors such as role
models in the media (1). Becker et al. (2002) found that television
influenced views about body shape and/or weight which CBT may
not consider when addressing cognitive processes (1).
Look for other reasonable marking points.
(4)
In your studies of clinical psychology you will have learned about the classic study by Rosenhan (1973) in detail.
State one aim of the classic study by Rosenhan (1973).
(1)
AO1 (1 mark)
Credit one mark for an accurate statement of an aim.
For example:
- To see whether sane people could be distinguished from the insane
using the DSM (1).
Look for other reasonable marking points.
(1)
In your studies of schizophrenia you will have learned about the contemporary study by Suzuki et al. (2014).
Explain two strengths of Suzuki et al.'s (2014) study.
(4)
1
2
AO1 (2 marks) AO3 (2 marks)
Credit one mark for accurate identification of each strength (AO1)
Credit one mark for justification/exemplification of each strength (AO3)
For example:
- Suzuki et al (2014) conducted their research with inpatients during
actual, real life hospitalisation due to schizophrenia (1). There is a
high level of ecological validity as the setting was a real life situation
making it valid to Japanese schizophrenic inpatients (1).
- Reliability of the results about nutritional status of schizophrenic
inpatients is increased by supporting evidence with consistent
findings (1). Kitabayashi et al (2006) found similar results with a
higher frequency of underweight inpatients with schizophrenia in all
age groups than in the normal population (1).
Look for other reasonable marking points.
(4)
Explain one weakness of Suzuki et al.'s (2014) study.
(2)
AO1 (1 mark) AO3 (1 mark)
Credit one mark for accurate identification of a weakness (AO1)
Credit one mark for justification/exemplification weakness (AO3)
For example:
- Suzuki et al (2014) did not control for eating behaviours and
exercise in their sample of schizophrenic inpatients, both of which
can affect the participant's weight (1) so there may be
extraneous/confounding variables affecting underweight or obesity
data that reduces the reliability of the results found about
underweight schizophrenic patients (1).
Look for other reasonable marking points.
(2)
Andreas is planning to conduct a randomised controlled trial to investigate the effectiveness of a new type of drug treatment for patients with schizophrenia.
Describe a procedure that Andreas could use to conduct his randomised controlled trial to investigate the drug treatment for schizophrenia.
AO2 ( 6 marks)
Credit up to six marks for an accurate procedure in relation to the
scenario (AO2)
For example;
- Andreas could select participants who have been diagnosed with
schizophrenia but are not yet undertaking a drug treatment
programme (1). He would need ethical approval to have a control
group without drug treatments to measure against as this
deprives patients of medical interventions (1). Andreas could
review patient case histories to score the severity of symptoms
prior to drug treatment as a baseline measure for improvements
(1). Someone other than Andreas would randomly allocate the
participants to two drug treatment groups where neither Andreas
or the participants would know which drug they were taking (1).
One group could receive the new drug treatment for 10 weeks and
the other group could receive a placebo drug treatment for 10
weeks (1). Andreas could record the success of each drug
treatment by recording the severity of symptoms in the five weeks
following the end of the trials (1).
Generic answers score 0 marks.
Look for other reasonable marking points.
(6)
Sadiah is a clinical psychologist who has just been approached by a prestigious journal called 'Super Psychology Research' to conduct peer reviews on unpublished research articles.
Sadiah has received an article about the effectiveness of family therapy for the treatment of schizophrenia.
Describe how Sadiah would carry out a peer review of the article she has received for the journal 'Super Psychology Research'.
( )
AO2 (4 marks)
Credit up to four marks for an accurate description in relation to the scenario.
For example:
- Sadiah would need to give her main impression of the article about
family therapy and say whether the research adds to the knowledge
base (1). She would have to check that the article adheres to the
standards of 'Super Psychology Research' and point out any areas that
need to be updated to make them consistent (1). Within her review
Sadiah would have to give specific comments and suggestions regarding
the method the authors may have used in their family therapy study (1).
Sadiah would make a recommendation to the editor in terms of
whether the articles would be accepted without revision, rejected with
her reasons, or accepted if certain revisions are made (1).
Look for other reasonable marking points.
Generic answers score 0 marks.
(4)
The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) guidelines for clinical psychology practitioners are a requirement for professional practice.
Explain two ways the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) guidelines help regulate professional practice.
(4)
1
2
( )
AO1 (2 marks), AO3 (2 marks)
Credit one mark for accurate identification of each way (AO1)
Credit one mark for justification/exemplification of each way (AO3)
For example;
- The HCPC standards require practitioners to regulate their own
actions in their daily practice and contact with patients (1) so
practitioners are following standards effectively at all times which
ensures overall clinical practice is of a high standard (1).
- The HCPC standards require practitioners to be registered with the
Council and abide by the standards to remain on the register (1)
so that patients can check the status and professional registration
of the practitioner offering treatment to be sure they are fit to
practice (1).
Look for other reasonable marking points.
(4)
Dr Ashton wanted to compare the effectiveness of different therapies in treating patients with schizophrenic symptoms. He assigned patients into three different groups. One group had drug therapy, one group had family therapy, and one group had both therapies.
State two conclusions that Dr Ashton could make from the results of his study.
Conclusion 1
Conclusion 2
AO3 (2 marks)
Credit one mark for each accurate conclusion.
For example;
- Family therapy is less successful at reducing the symptoms of schizophrenia
than drug therapy (1).
- Combined drug and family therapy is more successful than individual
therapies in reducing the symptoms of schizophrenia. (1)
- Drug therapy and combined therapies produce a more immediate reduction
in the symptoms of schizophrenia than family therapy. (1)
Conclusions must be directly relevant to results.
Look for other reasonable marking points.
(2)
In your studies of clinical psychology you will have learned about the classic study by Rosenhan (1973) in detail.
Explain one strength and one weakness of the classic study by Rosenhan (1973). (4)
Strength
Weakness
AO1 (2 marks), AO3 (2 marks)
Credit one mark for accurate identification of strength/weakness (AO1)
Credit one mark for justification/exemplification of strength/weakness (AO3)
For example:
Strength
- Rosenhan (1973) has high ecological validity as it is in a real life context
of hospitals (1) and the pseudo patients were admitted to real
psychiatric units so results have validity (1).
Weakness
- Rosenhan (1973) can be considered unethical due to deception (1)
because the staff at the hospitals were deceived about patient
symptoms and were not told they were being studied (1).
Look for other reasonable marking points.
(4)
Explain one way Rosenhan's (1973) study could have been improved.
AO1 (1 mark), AO3 (1 mark)
Credit one mark for accurate identification of one improvement (AO1)
Credit one mark for justification/exemplification of the improvement (AO3)
For example:
- Rosenhan could have gained consent from the staff within the hospitals
not just the person in charge (1) which would have meant Rosenhan
gave the staff a choice about whether to participate as they could not
give this in the original study (1).
Look for other reasonable marking points.
(2)
In your studies of clinical psychology, you will have conducted a practical investigation.
Describe the results and/or conclusions of your clinical practical investigation.
( ) CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
AO2 (4 marks)
Credit up to four marks for an accurate description of the procedure for
the clinical practical investigation.
For example;
- In three out of four articles, negative themes such as 'danger to
others' and 'danger to self' occurred more often than positive
themes (1). The two most negative articles were tabloid media
reports of people with mental health issues committing criminal
offences (1). We concluded that the mainstream media
emphasises the negative stereotypes of mental health issues (1)
whereas sources from specialist organisations like 'Mind' present
positive attitudes to mental health issues (1).
Look for other reasonable marking points.
Generic answers score 0 marks.
Must relate to clinical practical (content analysis that explores
attitudes to mental health).
(4)
\begin{tabular}[t]{|l|l|l|}
\hline