Behavioural

Question 1

Behavioural explanation of mood disorders?

Answer 1

Lack of positive reinforcement leads to lack of effort which in turn causes even less reinforcement. Eg, an unsociable person would have few friends, less opportunity for positive reinforcement. Eg, a loved one dies, no longer around to positively reinforce.

Question 2

Behavioural explanation A02?

Answer 2

• reductionist, very basic explanation for onset of complex disorder
• more recent behavioural therapies emphasise cognitive and personality variables interact with environment and affect vulnerability.

Question 3

What is CBT?

Answer 3

Attempts to identify negative beliefs and alter dysfunctional behaviours that cause people to think and act depressed.
20 sessions over 16 weeks, offering different coping strategies. Homework is set between sessions.

Behavioural activation - identify activities that patient previously enjoyed, overcome obstacles that are preventing it, engagement should lift mood.

Thought catching of automatic negative thoughts - note down association between thoughts and feelings, challenge negative thought by replacing with more likely explanation. Eg, friend declined holiday, ‘she doesn’t like me’ vs ‘already booked own holiday’.

Elkin study…

250 patients assigned condition for four weeks - CBT, interpersonal therapy, drug therapy, placebo group.

Medication better in the short term, but 18 months later, CBT long term advantage over others. No side effects.

Question 4

CBT AO2?

Answer 4

Ethical grounds (like ipt)

Best for articulate, motivated and unipolar