Psychopathology: 8. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

A-Level Psychology - PAPER 1 - Memory

The capacity of short-term memory (STM) is approximately 7 ± 2 items, meaning most people can hold between 5 and 9 pieces of information at once, as proposed by Miller (1956).

A-Level Psychology - PAPER 1 - Attachment

We first form an attachment through non-verbal communication, such as eye contact, facial expressions, and body language. As the caregiver becomes more sensitive and responsive to the infant's signals, the emotional bond deepens, leading to a secure attachment.

Psychotherapy: 105b/106b - Anxiety and Mood Disorders in Children

This content highlights that the most effective treatment for anxiety is a combination of SSRIs and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), achieving about an 80% response rate, compared to lower rates with either treatment alone or placebo. It also outlines common behaviors across anxiety disorders, including hypervigilance, heightened reactivity to new situations, threat-biased interpretation, and avoidance coping.

A-Level Psychology - Paper 1 - Social Influence

Compliance – Publicly conforming to a behavior or view but privately disagreeing.

Psychotherapy: 104b - ADHD

This content summarizes the key brain regions involved in ADHD, focusing on the prefrontal cortex, striatum, and cerebellum. It also explains the mechanism of action of atomoxetine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used to treat ADHD, and highlights important comorbidities such as behavioral problems and anxiety often seen in children with ADHD.

Psychotherapy: 103b - Autism Spectrum Disorders

This set summarizes the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and highlights positive prognostic factors associated with better outcomes. Diagnosis requires specific deficits in social communication and the presence of repetitive behaviors, with early developmental onset.