Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · Psychology
Course version: 1PS0 · Version from Sept 2017
How the incidence of mental health problems changes over time
Full specification wording
Psychological problems: 3.1.2 how the incidence of mental health problems changes over time
The incidence of mental health problems refers to the number of new cases diagnosed within a specific timeframe.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1PS0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 5
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The incidence of mental health problems refers to the number of new cases diagnosed within a specific timeframe. Over recent decades, the recorded incidence of conditions like depression has increased significantly. This change over time can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, there is greater public awareness and reduced stigma, encouraging more people to seek help. Secondly, diagnostic criteria have evolved, meaning more behaviours are now recognised as psychological problems. Additionally, modern societal pressures, including economic stress and changing lifestyles, may genuinely increase the prevalence of these conditions. Understanding these trends helps healthcare providers allocate resources effectively.
What earns the marks
- Define incidence as the rate of new cases of a mental health problem over a specific period.
- Identify that the recorded incidence of mental health problems has generally increased over time.
- Explain that increased incidence may be due to reduced social stigma and better mental health awareness.
- Recognise that changes in diagnostic criteria can lead to higher recorded rates of mental health conditions.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing incidence with prevalence.
Put it right: Incidence refers to new cases in a given time, while prevalence is the total number of cases overall.
Assuming an increase in incidence only means more people are becoming ill.
Put it right: The increase is also heavily driven by more people coming forward due to reduced stigma.
Believing mental health problems did not exist in the past.
Put it right: They existed but were often undiagnosed, hidden, or classified differently.
Exam tips
- When asked why mental health statistics have changed, always consider both societal changes (like reduced stigma) and genuine increases in stress.
- Use the term 'incidence' correctly in your answers to show a clear understanding of epidemiological terminology.
- Be prepared to interpret simple graphs or data tables showing changes in mental health diagnoses over time.
Try the lesson
The start of the Psychological problems: 3.1.2 how the incidence of mental health problems changes over time lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which of the following best describes the general trend in the incidence of diagnosed mental health problems in the UK over the last 50 years?
Listen
The incidence of mental health problems refers to the number of new cases diagnosed within a specific timeframe. Over recent decades, the recorded incidence of conditions like depression has increased significantly. This change over time can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, there is greater public awareness and reduced stigma, encouraging more people to seek help. Secondly, diagnostic criteria have evolved, meaning more behaviours are now recognised as psychological problems. Additionally, modern societal pressures, including economic stress and changing lifestyles, may genuinely increase the prevalence of these conditions. Understanding these trends helps healthcare providers allocate resources effectively. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Define incidence as the rate of new cases of a mental health problem over a specific period. Identify that the recorded incidence of mental health problems has generally increased over time. Explain that increased incidence may be due to reduced social stigma and better mental health awareness. Recognise that changes in diagnostic criteria can lead to higher recorded rates of mental health conditions. A common slip: Confusing incidence with prevalence. Instead, incidence refers to new cases in a given time, while prevalence is the total number of cases overall. Exam tip: When asked why mental health statistics have changed, always consider both societal changes (like reduced stigma) and genuine increases in stress.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Incidence
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Stigma and awareness
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Diagnostic evolution
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Prevalence
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Incidence
- The number of new cases of a mental health problem diagnosed within a specific timeframe.
- Stigma and awareness
- Greater public awareness and reduced stigma encourage more people to seek help, which can change recorded rates over time.
- Diagnostic evolution
- Diagnostic criteria have evolved, meaning more behaviours are now recognised as psychological problems.
- Prevalence
- The total number of cases overall, which is not the same as new cases in a given time.
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