Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · Psychology
Course version: 1PS0 · Version from Sept 2017
The symptoms and features according to the International Classification of…
Full specification wording
Psychological problems: 3.1.1 the symptoms and features according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) of a. depression b. addiction
The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) provides a standardised system for diagnosing mental health conditions.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1PS0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 5
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) provides a standardised system for diagnosing mental health conditions. For depression, key features include a persistent low mood, loss of interest in normally enjoyable activities, and reduced energy levels leading to fatigue. Other symptoms involve disturbed sleep, changes in appetite, reduced concentration, and feelings of worthlessness. For addiction, the ICD outlines features such as a strong compulsion to take a substance, difficulties controlling behaviour, physiological withdrawal when use ceases, evidence of tolerance, and progressive neglect of alternative interests. Understanding these specific ICD criteria is essential for accurately identifying these psychological problems.
What earns the marks
- Identify persistent low mood and loss of interest as primary ICD symptoms of depression.
- Recognise physical symptoms of depression, such as changes in sleep patterns and appetite.
- Identify a strong compulsion to use a substance and difficulty controlling use as key ICD features of addiction.
- Recognise physiological withdrawal and tolerance as diagnostic criteria for addiction.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing everyday sadness with clinical depression.
Put it right: Clinical depression requires specific ICD symptoms like persistent low mood over a sustained period.
Assuming addiction only relates to illegal drugs.
Put it right: Addiction can involve legal substances like alcohol or prescribed medications, as well as behavioural addictions.
Mixing up tolerance and withdrawal.
Put it right: Tolerance is needing more of a substance to get the same effect, whereas withdrawal refers to the physical symptoms experienced when stopping use.
Exam tips
- Memorise at least three specific ICD symptoms for both depression and addiction to use in applied scenarios.
- Be prepared to read a short case study and identify whether the person is showing symptoms of depression or addiction based on the ICD criteria.
- Ensure you use the correct terminology, such as 'tolerance' and 'withdrawal', when describing addiction features.
Try the lesson
The start of the Psychological problems: 3.1.1 the symptoms and features according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) of a. depression b. addiction lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
According to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), which of the following is a core symptom of depression?
Listen
The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) provides a standardised system for diagnosing mental health conditions. For depression, key features include a persistent low mood, loss of interest in normally enjoyable activities, and reduced energy levels leading to fatigue. Other symptoms involve disturbed sleep, changes in appetite, reduced concentration, and feelings of worthlessness. For addiction, the ICD outlines features such as a strong compulsion to take a substance, difficulties controlling behaviour, physiological withdrawal when use ceases, evidence of tolerance, and progressive neglect of alternative interests. Understanding these specific ICD criteria is essential for accurately identifying these psychological problems. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Identify persistent low mood and loss of interest as primary ICD symptoms of depression. Recognise physical symptoms of depression, such as changes in sleep patterns and appetite. Identify a strong compulsion to use a substance and difficulty controlling use as key ICD features of addiction. Recognise physiological withdrawal and tolerance as diagnostic criteria for addiction. A common slip: Confusing everyday sadness with clinical depression. Instead, clinical depression requires specific ICD symptoms like persistent low mood over a sustained period. Exam tip: Memorise at least three specific ICD symptoms for both depression and addiction to use in applied scenarios.
See it
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
There is more to this lesson
The full lesson goes on to check your understanding and help you earn the marks. Create a free account to carry on, with your progress saved.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge
Test your understanding of Psychological problems: 3.1.1 the symptoms and features according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) of a. depression b. addiction
Active recall beats re-reading. Take an instant quiz now to test what you’ve learned and lock it into long-term memory.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge