What Paper A tests in Classification
Paper A is a written paper of about 150 questions (single-best-answer MCQs and extended matching items) sat over three hours, blueprinted against the RCPsych syllabus. Questions from this domain typically cover:
- ICD vs DSM Classification
- Disorders of Self
- Disorders of Emotion
- Disorders of Speech & Thought
- Disorders of Perception
- Movement Disorders
- Disorders of Cognition
- Uncommon Psychiatric Syndromes
- Dynamic Psychopathology
- Rating Scales in Psychiatry
- Risk Assessment
- Physical Examination & Investigations
Worked example
This is a real question from the Classification & Assessment in Psychiatry section, the kind you will see in Paper A:
Which feature best distinguishes an overvalued idea from a delusion?
- It is comprehensible, understandable in the person’s context, and not held with full delusional conviction
- It can never cause distress
- It is always culturally shared
- It is held with absolute, unshakeable conviction
- It is always bizarre
How to revise this section for Paper A
Work in short, active blocks: attempt questions first, read the explanation whether right or wrong, and log the subtopics you miss. Our weakness tracker flags any subtopic where you score below 60% so you can target revision rather than re-reading everything. Anchor your reading to the recommended text (Fish / Sims / ICD-11) so your facts match the exam blueprint.
Related revision
Behavioural Science
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Neuroscience
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See the full MRCPsych Paper A guide or browse all 14 revision sections.