Abnormal illness behaviour and the sick role — structured clinical viva

Interpretation

Viva stations

Station A — Definitions (4 min)

Expected: Sick role rights/obligations; Mechanic illness behaviour; Pilowsky AIB definition; affirming vs denying axes.[1][2][3][4]

Station B — Nosology translation (4 min)

Expected: AIB is not a DSM code; map to SSD/IAD/FND/psychological factors; factitious/malingering only with intentionality evidence.[8][7]

Station C — Assessment (4 min)

Expected: Alliance, collateral, utilisation, health beliefs, suicide risk, capacity only if decision-specific need; IBQ as dimensional tool with caveats; investigation policy with medical team.[4][5][3]

Station D — Management and law (5 min)

Expected: Henningsen principles; CBT-HA/CHAMP; treat depression; non-collusion if deception; Mental Health Act not a dumping ground for AIB; detention only if legal criteria for mental illness/risk met under local law — not for staff frustration.[5][6][7]

Pass / fail cues

Pass: theory accurate; dualism refused; detention criteria not invented for “somatisation.”
Fail: equates AIB with faking; sections for convenience; endless testing without plan; dismissive discharge.[1][5][7]