MRCPsych Psychological Treatments and Psychotherapy 3

Question 1

Which psychological therapy has the strongest evidence base for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

CBT with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

Answer

CBT incorporating Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) has the strongest evidence base for OCD and is recommended as first-line psychological treatment by NICE.

Question 2

In attachment theory, a caregiver who is inconsistently available and responsive is most likely to produce which attachment style in the child?

Accepted Answer

Anxious-ambivalent (resistant) attachment

Answer

Inconsistent caregiver responsiveness leads to anxious-ambivalent (resistant) attachment, characterised by uncertainty about caregiver availability and heightened attachment behaviours.

Question 3

Which of the following is a contraindication for exploratory (uncovering) psychodynamic psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Current active psychosis

Answer

Active psychosis is a contraindication for exploratory psychodynamic therapy because the uncovering of unconscious material can exacerbate psychotic symptoms and disorganise already impaired reality testing.

Question 4

Positive risk in therapeutic relationships refers to:

Accepted Answer

Calculated, evidence-based decisions to accept some risk to promote therapeutic progress and patient autonomy

Answer

Positive risk-taking involves making considered clinical decisions to accept some level of risk in order to promote therapeutic benefit, recovery, and patient autonomy.

Question 5

Which best describes 'projective identification' as used in object relations theory?

Accepted Answer

The therapist identifies with the patient's projected feelings and may act them out

Answer

Projective identification involves projecting unwanted aspects of oneself into another person who then unconsciously identifies with and may act out those projected feelings, influencing the recipient's behaviour.

(MRCPsych) Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Practice Test

(MRCPsych) Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Practice Test

MRCPsych Psychological Treatments and Psychotherapy 3