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Quick questions on Explanations and treatments for depression - OCR GCSE Psychology (J203)
5short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What are antidepressants?Show answer
Drugs such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) increase the amount of serotonin available in the brain by slowing its reabsorption, which can lift mood. Strengths: effective for many patients, easy to take and act on the proposed biological cause. Weaknesses: they treat the symptoms not the cause, can have side effects, may take weeks to work, and symptoms can return when the drug stops.
What is cognitive behavioural therapy?Show answer
A talking therapy in which a therapist helps the patient identify negative automatic thoughts, challenge them with evidence, and replace them with more balanced thoughts, often with behavioural tasks to test the new thinking. Strengths: tackles the cause (the thinking), no drug side effects, and gives lasting skills that reduce relapse. Weaknesses: needs effort, motivation and time, may not suit severe depression where the person cannot engage, and depends on a good therapist.
What is q1?Show answer
Name the neurotransmitter linked to depression. [1 mark]
What is q2?Show answer
What does CBT aim to change? [2 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
Give one weakness of antidepressants. [2 marks]
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