MRCPsych Paper A Online

The role of psychology in understanding mental health and psychiatric disorders

Overview of psychological theories and their application in clinical practice

The biopsychosocial model and its importance in a holistic approach to psychiatry

Classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and social learning theory

Principles of behaviour modification and their application in psychiatric treatment

Behavioural techniques in the management of anxiety, mood, and psychotic disorders

Key concepts in cognitive psychology: attention, memory, perception, and language

Cognitive distortions and their role in the development of psychiatric disorders

Introduction to cognitive-behavioural therapy and its application in psychiatry

Evidence base for CBT in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders

Overview of psychodynamic theories: Freudian, Jungian, and object relations

Core concepts in psychodynamic psychotherapy: transference, countertransference, and the therapeutic alliance

Applications of psychodynamic therapy in the treatment of psychiatric disorders

Evidence base for psychodynamic therapy and its limitations

Key concepts in humanistic psychology: self-actualisation, empathy, and the therapeutic relationship

Introduction to person-centred therapy and its application in psychiatry

Overview of existential therapy and its focus on meaning, choice, and responsibility

The role of humanistic and existential approaches in the management of psychiatric disorders

The rationale for integrating different psychological approaches in psychiatric practice

Common factors in psychotherapy and their implications for treatment planning

Overview of integrative and eclectic psychotherapy models

Developing a flexible and individualised approach to psychiatric treatment

Recap of key psychological concepts and theories covered in the lesson

Integrating psychological knowledge into psychiatric assessment and formulation

Case studies and clinical vignettes to practice applying psychological concepts

Neuroanatomy: key structures and their functions

Neurophysiology: neuronal communication and neurotransmitters

Neuropharmacology: principles of drug action in the nervous system

Neuropathology: common neurological disorders and their pathogenesis

Introduction to psychopharmacology and its role in psychiatry

Principles of drug action, absorption, distribution, and elimination

Major classes of psychotropic medications and their mechanisms of action

Side effects, contraindications, and drug interactions in psychopharmacology

Theories of human development across the lifespan

Cognitive, emotional, and social development in children and adolescents

Adult development and aging: cognitive, emotional, and social aspects

Theories of personality and their relevance to psychiatric practice

Psychopathology is a fundamental topic in the MRCPsych Paper A course, focusing on the study of abnormal thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that are indicative of mental disorders. The understanding of psychopathology is essential for psychiatrists to accurately assess, diagnose, and manage various psychiatric conditions. The following are the key subtopics to be taught in the psychopathology section of the MRCPsych Paper A course:

Descriptive Psychopathology: This subtopic covers the basic principles of psychopathology, including the classification of symptoms, signs, and syndromes. It will explore various aspects of mental state examination, such as appearance, behaviour, mood, thought, perception, cognition, and insight.

Disorders of Perception: This section will focus on the various perceptual abnormalities, such as hallucinations (auditory, visual, olfactory, gustatory, and tactile), illusions, and disturbances in the perception of time and space.

Disorders of Thought: This subtopic will cover thought disorders, including formal thought disorders (flight of ideas, thought blocking, circumstantiality, tangentiality, etc.), delusions (primary and secondary), overvalued ideas, and obsession-compulsion.

Mood Disorders: This section will discuss the psychopathology of mood disorders, including depression, mania, hypomania, mixed states, and dysthymia. It will also cover the assessment and diagnosis of various mood disorders using diagnostic criteria.

Anxiety Disorders: This subtopic will focus on the psychopathology of anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias, social anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Psychotic Disorders: This section will explore the psychopathology of psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder, and brief psychotic disorder.

Personality Disorders: This subtopic will cover the psychopathology of personality disorders, including the classification and diagnostic criteria of various personality disorders, such as borderline, antisocial, narcissistic, and avoidant personality disorders.

Somatoform and Dissociative Disorders: This section will discuss the psychopathology of somatoform and dissociative disorders, including somatization disorder, conversion disorder, pain disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, and dissociative identity disorder.

Eating Disorders: This subtopic will cover the psychopathology of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.

Sexual Disorders: This section will explore the psychopathology of sexual disorders, including sexual dysfunctions, paraphilias, and gender identity disorders.

Classification and diagnosis of psychiatric disorders

Assessment and formulation in clinical psychiatry

Introduction to evidence-based treatment approaches

Common psychiatric presentations and their management

We have a big question bank to practice for the exam which the candidate can practice in both untimed and timed mode. They can review practice exam questions by seeing the correct answer and reading the detailed explanations. This can help in identifying areas for improvement and developing a study plan. They can get the tips and strategies for successful exam performance

We have online forum where candidates can discuss exam or difficult questions.

This online course is designed to cover the essential topics for the MRCPsych Paper A examination, providing participants with a solid foundation in psychology, basic neurosciences, psychopharmacology, human development, clinical psychiatry, and social psychiatry. Each lesson will include a combination of lectures, discussions, quizzes, and opportunities for self-assessment to ensure a comprehensive learning experience.