'Medical techniques, such as drugs, can treat all patients with depression effectively.' 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. [12] For: the use of drugs is quick and easy - simply swallow a pill and nothing else;
2. [12] For: drugs can help by relieving the symptoms of depression;
3. [12] For: drugs do work. Kahn et al. (1986) found benzodiazepines, for example, were more effective than a placebo;
4. [12] For: drugs do not need relaxation techniques, cognitive therapies or any other time-consuming exercises;
5. [12] Against: drugs can remove the cause of depression (if the cause is biochemical), otherwise do not cure, merely make the symptoms easier to live with;
6. [12] Against: drugs are addictive and so are not good for treating a person long-term;
7. [12] Against: drugs may be costly;
8. [12] Against: alternative cognitive-behavioural techniques can be used such as those by Beck and Ellis.
9. [12] Conclusion: any appropriate conclusion drawn from the discussion that has been presented. (1 mark)