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)
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QUESTION 5 BEGINS ON THE NEXT PAGE.
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)
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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)