'Medical techniques, such as drugs, are all a person needs to reduce long-term stress.' To what extent do you agree with this statement? Use examples of research you have studied to support your answer.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2019). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. Marks: use generic levels of response in table C.
2. Syllabus: medical techniques (biochemical)
3. Most likely (any other appropriate responses should be credited):
4. For:
5. The use of drugs is quick and easy – simply swallow a pill and nothing else.
6. Drugs can help by relieving the associated symptoms of depression
7. Drugs do work. Kahn et al. (1986) found benzodiazepines were more effective than a placebo.
8. Drugs do not need relaxation techniques, cognitive therapies or any other time-consuming exercises.
9. Against:
10. Drugs do not remove the cause of the stress, merely make the symptoms easier to live with.
11. Drugs are addictive and so are not good for treating a person long-term.
12. Drugs may be costly, alternative free / cognitive-behavioural techniques can be used.