Art Therapy Negative Symptoms — MRCPsych Paper B MCQ
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Correct answer: C — They may be considered to promote recovery, particularly in people with negative symptoms.
Explanation lettering: C = shown as A · A = shown as B · B = shown as C
B is correct. NICE advises considering arts therapies for people with psychosis or schizophrenia, particularly to alleviate negative symptoms and promote recovery. They combine psychotherapeutic techniques with creative activity and aim to support expression, understanding of feelings and new ways of relating to others. They complement rather than replace antipsychotic medication or recommended psychological interventions such as CBT, so A and C are incorrect. NICE states that arts therapies should normally be provided in groups unless acceptability, access or engagement difficulties indicate otherwise, making D incorrect. Their particular relevance is to negative symptoms such as avolition and social withdrawal, rather than principally to persistent positive symptoms, so E is incorrect.
Reference: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Psychosis and schizophrenia in adults: prevention and management (CG178), recommendations 1.4.4.3–1.4.4.4 and 1.5.4.4. 2014; reviewed 2025. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg178/chapter/Recommendations