‘Biomedical treatments are perfect for treating obsessive-compulsive and related disorders.'

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2018). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. Marks: use generic levels of response in table C.
2. Syllabus: treatment and management of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders: biomedical (SSRIs)
3. Most likely (any other appropriate responses should be credited):
4. For:
5. ∞ Biomedical treatments (SSRIs) directly restore any chemical imbalance that might be causing the OCD.
6. ∞ Biomedical treatments can be given on a fixed schedule with dosage increased or decreased as required.
7. ∞ Biomedical treatments are easy to apply, with little time or effort: e.g. one pill twice per day.
8. Against:
9. ∞ Biomedical treatments may alleviate associated symptoms but not remove the cause.
10. ∞ Biomedical treatments may have side effects which may make the person feel worse.
11. ∞ Biomedical treatments may be addictive and so only used short-term.