Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2025
First exams 2027
Source 1
Figure 1 shows the percentage of patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) in two cultural groups following an initial clinical assessment. Diagnoses were made using DSM-5 criteria by clinicians trained in Western psychiatric diagnostic frameworks.
Figure 1: Percentage of patients diagnosed with MDD by cultural group
Explain one issue that limits the interpretation of the data in source 1.
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Source 2
A study was conducted comparing self-reported depressive symptoms and clinical diagnosis rates among university students in two countries. Fifty students from each country completed the same standardised depression questionnaire. Scores ranged from 0 to 30, with higher scores indicating more severe depressive symptoms.
The table shows depression questionnaire scores in relation to clinical diagnosis rates of MDD.
Table 1: Depression questionnaire scores and clinical diagnosis rates
Measure | USA | Japan |
|---|---|---|
Mean questionnaire score | 18.2 | 17.5 |
Standard deviation | 4.1 | 4.3 |
Percentage clinically diagnosed with MDD | 46% | 19% |
Analyse the findings from source 2 and state a conclusion linked to the claim that cultural factors influence the diagnosis of MDD.
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Source 3
A researcher conducted focus group interviews with mental health professionals from four different cultural backgrounds to explore how depression is recognised and diagnosed. A thematic analysis identified the following themes:
Emotional symptoms such as sadness and hopelessness were prioritised in Western diagnostic contexts
Physical symptoms (e.g. fatigue, headaches, sleep problems) were more frequently emphasised in non-Western clinical settings
Clinicians reported concern that Western diagnostic criteria may not adequately capture culturally specific expressions of distress
Some clinicians noted stigma surrounding mental illness influenced patients’ willingness to report emotional symptoms
Discuss how the researcher could improve the credibility of the findings in source 3.
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To what extent can we claim that cultural bias influences the diagnosis of major depressive disorder? In your answer, use your own knowledge and at least three of sources 2-5 (opens in a new tab).
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