Question 112 marks
Question
(a) Outline one cognitive explanation of schizophrenia and delusional disorder. [2] (b) Describe the procedure in the study by Sensky et al. (2000) of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for schizophrenia. [4] (c) Explain one similarity and one difference between CBT and biochemical treatments for schizophrenia/delusional disorder. [6]
Mark scheme
1(a) Outline one cognitive explanation of schizophrenia and delusional 2 disorder. Award 1 mark for a basic explanation of the term/concept. Award 2 marks for a detailed explanation of the term/concept. For example: Frith describes schizophrenia as an ‘abnormality of self-monitoring’ as patients fail to recognise that the hallucination of hearing voices is actually the schizophrenic’s own inner voice but they believe it to be someone else’s. (2) The delusions (inner speech) may not be recognised as being self-generated. (1) Other appropriate responses should also be credited. 1(b) Describe the procedure in the study by Sensky et al. (2000) of cognitive- 4 behavioural therapy (CBT) for schizophrenia. Award 1–2 marks for a basic answer with some understanding of the topic area. Award 3–4 marks for a detailed answer with clear understanding of the topic area. For example: Participants were referred by clinicians and eligibility confirmed by researchers using clinical interview. (1) 90 patients, 16-60 from 5 different venues – 2 West London, 1 Durham, 1 Cleveland, 1 Newcastle. CBT 46, Befriending 44. 67% CBT male, 50% male in befriending (2 marks max.) Patients were randomly assigned to a treatment and further assessments carried out approximately 9 months later, after intervention had completed and again at 9-month follow-up. (2) Antipsychotic medications were maintained. (1) Patients received individual treatment of CBT or befriending (this intervention was designed to give similar amount of therapist contact as CBT with an aim to be empathic and nondirective, focusing on neutral topics) (2) Done by experienced psychiatric nurses with each patient receiving at least 45 minutes of therapy per week. (1) After approximately 2 months, session frequency could be reduced, with the aim of completing therapy within 9 months. (1) Interviews were audiotaped. (1) Assessors were blind to patient’s assigned group. (1) The Comprehensive Psychiatric Rating Scale (CPRS), Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale and the Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) were all used to measure outcomes together with patients completing a 10-item questionnaire to elicit their satisfaction. (2 marks max for assessments given) 1(c) Explain one similarity and one difference between CBT and biochemical 6 treatments for schizophrenia/delusional disorder. Likely similarities will be • Both have good evidence for success e.g. Lindstrom et al, 1999 drug trials and Sensky • Both require intervention from a therapist so adding to time, expense and commitment Likely differences will be • CBT based on cognitive approach, biochemical on biological approach • CBT is more active. Drug therapy is passive treatment. • CBT not suited for patients who find it difficult to engage in therapy (lack of motivation, intellect etc.) • Drug therapy has side effects Mark according to the levels of response criteria below: Level 3 (5–6 marks) • Candidates will show a clear understanding of the question and will explain an appropriate similarity and an appropriate difference. • Candidates will provide a good explanation with clear detail. Level 2 (3–4 marks) • Candidates will show an understanding of the question and will explain an appropriate similarity/difference in detail or both a similarity and a difference in less detail. • Candidates will provide a good explanation. Level 1 (1–2 marks) • Candidates will show a basic understanding of the question and will attempt a similarity and/or difference. This could include both but just as an attempt. • Candidates will provide a limited explanation. Level 0 (0 marks) No response worthy of credit. Other appropriate responses should also be credited.