MRCPsych Paper A is the first part of the three MRCPsych examination series. More specifically, it is a written paper on the scientific and theoretical basis of psychiatry.
Paper A is a three hour exam worth 150 marks, comprised of 150 questions.
It is made up of approximately:
Paper A covers the following sections of the syllabus:
On Paper A, the percentage split/marks on a 150 mark exam is/would be:
Below we have listed the different areas it is suggested that your revise for every component of the examination series. In addition to your revision of the below subjects, Members of the Royal College of Psychiatrists can log in and access sample questions from this link. Non-members should email the Examinations team and request them on [email protected]
You shall need to demonstrate core knowledge in the key areas of behavioural science and socio-cultural psychiatry. This knowledge will include basic and social psychology.
Basic Psychology
Social Psychology
Social science & socio-cultural psychiatry
You should be knowledgeable about normal biological, psychological and social development from infancy to old age. This is in order to consider:
• The stages of normal development in order to determine whether an individual’s style of thinking, coping, feeling or behaviour is appropriate for that stage or may be an indication of illness
• How the stage of cognitive and emotional development may influence the aetiology, presentation and management of mental health problems
• Factors that may be associated with vulnerability to mental health problems and protective factors associated with resilience.
• Developmental issues in relation to the varied cultural and economic backgrounds of patients.
You shall need to be able to demonstrate knowledge of the neuroscience that underpins the practice of clinical psychiatry. This will include:
You must be able to demonstrate knowledge of basic pharmacological principles and how these specifically relate to psychotropic drugs. You will need knowledge of:
You will need to demonstrate knowledge of the assessment and classification of the major psychiatric disorders. This includes:
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