Psychodynamic — MRCPsych Paper B MCQ
Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.
Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Correct answer: B — Psychodynamic psychotherapy
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is the best answer. It explores how unconscious conflicts and defensive processes influence current symptoms and relationships. Particular attention is paid to transference: the repetition within the therapeutic relationship of feelings and relational patterns originating in earlier relationships. CBT primarily addresses cognitions and behaviours, while DBT combines behavioural change, acceptance and skills training. MBT aims to improve the capacity to understand one's own and others' mental states, although it has psychodynamic roots. Schema therapy focuses on maladaptive schemas and coping modes. The combination of unconscious conflict, defences and interpretation of transference therefore specifically identifies a psychodynamic orientation.
Reference: Royal College of Psychiatrists. Paper B resources, section 9.1.1: Dynamic psychotherapy. Current webpage, accessed 19 August 2026. https://elearninghub.rcpsych.ac.uk/catalog?pagename=Paper_B_resources