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EnglandPsychology

Topic 3: Psychological problems

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

How do we define mental health, and how common are mental health problems?

Defining mental health: what is meant by mental health and mental health problems, how definitions and attitudes have changed over time, and the incidence of mental health problems.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Psychology Topic 3, covering how mental health and mental health problems are defined, how attitudes have changed over time, and the incidence of mental health problems.
9 min answer →

What causes addiction?

Explaining addiction: its characteristics, the influence of genes, and the learning theory of addiction (classical and operant conditioning), including Young (2007) on internet addiction.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Psychology Topic 3, covering addiction: its characteristics, the influence of genes, and the learning theory of addiction (conditioning), with reference to Young (2007).
10 min answer →

What causes unipolar depression?

Explaining unipolar depression: its characteristics, the influence of genes (Caspi et al. 2003), and the cognitive theory of depression (Beck's negative triad and faulty thinking).
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Psychology Topic 3, covering unipolar depression: its characteristics, the influence of genes (Caspi et al. 2003) and the cognitive theory of depression (Beck's negative triad).
10 min answer →

How is addiction treated?

Treating addiction: drug treatments (such as aversion therapy and substitute drugs) and behavioural and cognitive approaches based on the learning theory, with an evaluation of each.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Psychology Topic 3, covering treatments for addiction: drug treatments (aversion therapy and substitutes) and behavioural and cognitive approaches, with an evaluation.
9 min answer →

How is unipolar depression treated?

Treating unipolar depression: cognitive behavioural therapy (challenging negative thoughts) and drug treatments (antidepressants and how they work), and an evaluation of each.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Psychology Topic 3, covering treatments for unipolar depression: cognitive behavioural therapy and antidepressant drugs, how each works, and an evaluation.
9 min answer →