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EnglandPsychology

4.4 Psychopathology

5 dot points across 5 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How does the behavioural approach explain and treat phobias?

The behavioural approach to explaining phobias: the two-process model, including classical and operant conditioning. The behavioural approach to treating phobias: systematic desensitisation and flooding.
Covers AQA 4.4 the behavioural approach to phobias: the two-process model (classical and operant conditioning) and treatments of systematic desensitisation and flooding.
11 min answer →

How does the biological approach explain and treat OCD?

The biological approach to explaining OCD: genetic and neural explanations. The biological approach to treating OCD: drug therapy.
Covers AQA 4.4 the biological approach to OCD: genetic explanations (candidate genes, COMT, SERT), neural explanations (serotonin, basal ganglia) and drug therapy (SSRIs).
11 min answer →

How does the cognitive approach explain and treat depression?

The cognitive approach to explaining depression: Beck's negative triad and Ellis's ABC model. The cognitive approach to treating depression: cognitive behaviour therapy, including challenging irrational thoughts.
Covers AQA 4.4 the cognitive approach to depression: Beck's negative triad, Ellis's ABC model, and cognitive behaviour therapy including challenging irrational thoughts.
11 min answer →

How can we define what counts as abnormal behaviour?

Definitions of abnormality, including deviation from social norms, failure to function adequately, statistical infrequency and deviation from ideal mental health.
Covers AQA 4.4 definitions of abnormality: deviation from social norms, failure to function adequately, statistical infrequency and deviation from ideal mental health, with evaluation.
11 min answer →

What are the characteristics of phobias, depression and OCD?

The behavioural, emotional and cognitive characteristics of phobias, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Covers AQA 4.4 the behavioural, emotional and cognitive characteristics of phobias, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
10 min answer →