Treating Depression

Question 1

Cognitive behavioural therapy - CBT

Answer 1

• From Becks theory.
• Aim is To identify and challenge negative and faulty thoughts and replace them with positive thinking.
  1. Goal Setting - meets with therapist to set goals.
  2. Challenging Negative thoughts - taught to challenge negative thoughts and replace them with more constructive ones. Helps to change behaviour.
  3. Dysfunctional thought diary - keep a record of events leading to unpleasant emotions experienced. Asked to record how much they believe these thoughts. Write a rational response and rate belief of response.
  4. Homework - therapist sets homework. Meeting up with friends, writing down compliments etc.

Question 2

REBT

Answer 2

• Extends Ellis’ ABC model.
• D = disputing irrational throughts
• E = effects of disputing and effective attitude to learning.
• F = new feelings produced.
• Involves vigorous argument.
• Logical disputing - beliefs that don’t follow logically from available information. - Does it make sense.
• Empirical disputing - beliefs not consistent with reality.
• Pragmatic disputing - lack of usefulness of self defeating beliefs.

Question 3

Evaluation of CBT and REBT - effective treatment

Answer 3

• Studies suggests that CBT is effective.
• March studied 327 depressed adolescents. After 36 weeks 81% of patients who had received CBT said their symptoms had improved.
• Strength - many people have benefited from the therapy and symptoms have improved. Provides support for health care systems as NHS such offer CBT before antidepressants due to lack of side effects.

Question 4

Evaluation of CBT and REBT - cost effective

Answer 4

• CBT cost effective as they are short term.
• average amount of sessions for CBT is 16-20, unlike antidepressants that may be taken for months or years.
• Strength - CBT sessions do not search for deep meanings which people don’t want. Focus on feeling better. More likely to be motivated, complete course and have more successful outcomes.

Question 5

Evaluation of CBT and REBT - not successful for severe cases

Answer 5

• Depression may severe that motivation to engage in the cognitive work is not achievable.
• May not be able to pay attention to events within a sessions and anti depressant may be more effective at first and then commence with CBT when they are more alert and motivated.
• Weakness - CBT may not work in most severe cases and may need to be combined with drugs.

Question 6

Evaluation of CBT and REBT - Ethical concerns

Answer 6

• REBT is very directive due to vigorous argument between therapist and client. Seen as judgemental. Directive therapy gives choices to therapist and not client.
• Weakness - therapist can manipulate clients behaviour and is potential for someone who is already feeling venerable to by psychologically harmed by argument.