Psychopathology Exam Questions 2026/2027) (18pages)

Bina has been diagnosed with depression. Her doctor says that depression is a common problem but Bina is miserable. She cannot be bothered to get washed in the morning and her manager is unhappy that she is taking a lot of time off work. When she does go to work she is irritable, has temper tantrums and is rude to customers. • Using your knowledge of three definitions of abnormality, explain whether or not Bina's behaviour might be considered to be abnormal. [6 marks] - Statistical infrequency - the doctor says depression is quite common therefore Bina's behaviour should not be considered abnormal. • Failure to function adequately - Bina is neglecting personal hygiene she also takes lots of time off work therefore her behaviour could be considered abnormal. • Deviation from ideal mental health - Bina is miserable therefore her behaviour could be considered abnormal. • Deviation from social norms - Bina has temper tantrums/is rude to customers which is not the norm for adults in a work environment therefore her behaviour could be considered to be abnormal. • Outline one behavioural and one cognitive characteristic of obsessivecompulsive disorder (OCD). [4 marks] - Behavioural characteristic - this is the compulsion element of the disorder, where a behaviour is performed repeatedly in order to alleviate anxiety • Cognitive characteristic - this is the obsessive element of the disorder, where the sufferer experiences unwanted/intrusive thoughts or images that cause distress • Credit other relevant characteristics e.g. avoidance (behavioural) • Describe one drug therapy that has been used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Identify one limitation of drug therapy. [4 marks] - Use of SSRIs e.g. fluoxetine • Acts to inhibit the re-uptake or re-absorption of serotonin in the brain • Enables the serotonin to remain active at the synapse • Serotonin continues to stimulate the post-synaptic neuron • Outline and evaluate the cognitive approach to treating depression. [8 marks] - *AO1* • Features of Beck's CBT • Focus on present experience • Identifying automatic negative or irrational thoughts • Thought catching • Challenging negative thoughts • Hypothesis testing via homework - patient as scientist • Behavioural activation - engaging in previously enjoyed activities to raise mood • Credit other relevant information e.g. Ellis's argumentation and disputation • *AO3* • Use of evidence to support effectiveness in alleviating symptoms, relapse rates etc. • Comparisons with medication e.g. March 2007 • Role of the patient as engaged and active rather than passive • General enhancement of personal experience and efficacy • Severely depressed cannot engage in the process and need medication • Time and commitment where part of reasoned justification • Distinguish between obsessions and compulsions. [2 marks] - Obsessions are internal components because they are thoughts, and compulsions are external components because they are behaviours. • Researchers analysed the behaviour of over 4000 pairs of twins. The results showed that the degree to which obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is inherited is between 45% and 65%