• 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
... [Show More] 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 [Show Less]