You must answer one question from this section. Psychology and abnormality ‘Exposure and response prevention is always successful in treating obsessive-compulsive and related disorders.' 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 (Oct/Nov 2020). 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: exposure and response prevention (Lehmkuhl et al., 2008)
3. Most likely (any other appropriate responses should be credited):
4. For:
5. Lehmkhul et al. successfully treated Jason using ERP; If one can be treated then so can all.
6. 'Basic' treatment can successfully be adapted to meet individual needs.
7. If ERP works with children then it should work with adults; Jason was 12 years old.
8. ERP involves facing fears step-by-step so no-one should ever have a problem (unlike flooding).
9. Against:
10. Lehmkhul et al. successfully treated Jason, but this is one child. Can't generalise from one person.
11. It was a case study and Jason was unique. He also had autism.
12. No therapy works for everyone. Alternatives may be more appropriate.