Mental Health & Therapy is a core part of GCSE Psychology. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.
Key concepts
BeckCognitive therapist who built CBT for depression.
Ellis ABCActivating event, Belief, Consequence model.
Irrational beliefFaulty thinking pattern causing distress.
Cognitive restructuringReplacing negative thoughts with realistic ones.
Homework (CBT)Between-session tasks testing new beliefs.
Therapeutic allianceTrusting relationship between client and therapist.
EffectivenessHow well a therapy reduces symptoms.
Side effectUnwanted physical reaction to a drug.
Relapse (mh)Return of symptoms after recovery.
PlaceboInactive treatment used as a control.
Combined therapyUsing drugs and CBT together.
NICE guidelinesUK rules for recommended treatments.
CBTTalking therapy changing thoughts and behaviour.
Drug therapyMedication treating mental disorders.
Common mistakes to avoid
Questions where students often pick the tempting wrong answer — make sure you know the right one:
Are mental disorders simply a lack of willpower?✗ Yes, they are just a personal choice or weakness. ✓ No — they have biological, cognitive and environmental causes.
Can psychological disorders be treated effectively?✗ No, disorders can never improve. ✓ Yes — therapies like CBT and other treatments are effective.
Do all psychological approaches explain behaviour the same way?✗ Yes, all approaches agree on causes. ✓ No — they differ (e.g. behaviourist, cognitive, biological, psychodynamic).
Practise Mental Health & Therapy — free games
Test yourself with these quick revision games for this topic:
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