Most Important Topics for IGNOU MAPC MPCE-011 (Psychopathology) | Exam-Focused Guide

If you're preparing for IGNOU MAPC Term-End Exams for MPCE-011: Psychopathology, this guide is tailored for you!

I’ve analyzed the official syllabus and every past year question paper from 2010 to 2024 to give you a sharp list of must-study topics categorized for efficient revision.

This list is organized into Long Answers (10 marks), Medium Answers (6 marks), and Short Notes (3 marks).

🔥 Important Topics for MPCE-011 (Psychopathology)

🔹 High-Frequency Long Answer Topics (10 Marks)

• Concept of Normality and Abnormality

• Classification Systems: DSM and ICD

  (especially DSM-5 updates)

• Etiological Factors in Psychopathology

  • Biological, Psychological, Socio-Cultural Causes

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

  • Symptoms, Causes, Cognitive Explanations

• Panic Disorder and Phobias

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  • Causes, Symptoms, Cognitive-Behavioral Perspective

• Somatoform and Dissociative Disorders

• Depressive Disorders

  • Major Depression, Dysthymia

• Bipolar Disorders

  (Bipolar I vs Bipolar II, Cyclothymia)

• Schizophrenia

  • Symptoms, Subtypes, Causes, Treatment

• Other Psychotic Disorders

  (Delusional Disorder, Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorders)

• Personality Disorders:

  • Cluster A (Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal)

  • Cluster B (Borderline, Narcissistic, Histrionic)

  • Cluster C (Avoidant, Dependent, Obsessive-Compulsive)

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Substance Abuse and Mood Disorders

• Treatment Approaches

  (CBT, EMDR, Medication, Behavioral Therapy)

🔹 Medium Answer Topics (6 Marks)

• Humanistic Approach to Psychopathology

• Behavioral Approach to Psychopathology

• Oppositional Defiant Disorder vs Conduct Disorder

• Specific Phobia: Symptoms and Treatment (Flooding, Systematic Desensitization)

• Autism Spectrum Disorders and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

• Dissociative Amnesia and Dissociative Fugue

• Depersonalization Disorder

• Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorders vs Other Psychoses

• Difference between Delusions and Hallucinations

• Hypochondriasis vs Somatization

• Narcissistic Personality Disorder (Features and Causes)

• Causes of Mood Disorders due to General Medical Conditions

🔹 Short Notes Topics (3 Marks)

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

• Seasonal Affective Disorder

• Post-Partum Depression

• Genotype vs Phenotype

• Pain Disorder

• Hypomanic Episode

• Delusions of Grandeur

• Symptoms of Mild Depression

• Reality Anxiety, Neurotic Anxiety, Moral Anxiety

• Separation Anxiety Disorder

• Hallucinogens and their effects

• Childhood Depression

• Cyclothymia

🧠 Super Important Topics (Highly Repeated)

Concept	Focus Area
Classification and Diagnosis	DSM, ICD, Tests
Anxiety Disorders	GAD, Panic, Phobia
Mood Disorders	Depression, Bipolar
Psychotic Disorders	Schizophrenia, Delusions
Dissociative Disorders	Types, Causes
Personality Disorders	Cluster A, B, C
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder	Symptoms, Treatment
Substance-Induced Disorders	Identification, Management

By mastering these topics, you can cover 85-90% of the MPCE-011 exam with confidence.

Focus not only on symptoms but also etiology, diagnostic criteria, and treatment methods — that’s where marks are scored.

Practice structured answers, link theory with examples, and you'll ace your IGNOU MAPC Psychopathology exam! 🚀

Good Luck! 🍀

Tags: IGNOU MPCE-011 Important Topics, Psychopathology MAPC Preparation, IGNOU MA Psychology Term-End Exam Strategy, MAPC Psychopathology Notes, IGNOU MPCE 011 Study Guide