Cognitive approach to treating depression Flashcards
What is the procedure of CBT(cognitive behavioural therapy)
it begins with an assessment in which the patient and the cognitive therapist work together to clarify the patients problems. They jointly identify goals for the therapy and put together a plan to achieve them.
Central task is to identify where there might be irrational thoughts that will benefit from challenge. CBT then involves working to change negative irrational thoughts and put more effective behaviours in place.
CBT:Beck’s cognitive theory
The idea behind CT is to identify automatic thoughts about the world, the self and the future – negative triad)
Once identified, these thoughts can be challenged = central component. If a patient says that no one is nice to them the therapist can then produce this evidence and use it to prove the patient’s statement is incorrect
CBT:Ellis’ rational emotive behaviour therapy(REBT)
REBT extends the ABC model to an ABCDE model.
D = Dispute and E = Effect. The central technique of REBT is to identify and dispute/challenge irrational thoughts.
Leads to vigorous argument (central component of REBT).
Break link between negative life events and depression.
What are the two types of vigorous arguments
Empirical argument=Involves disputing whether there is actual evidence to support the negative belief
Logical argument=involves disputing whether the negative thought logically follows from the facts
Behavioural activation
Along with CBT the therapist may also encourage the patient to be more active and engage in enjoyable activities. This provides more evidence for the irrational nature of beliefs
Evaluation- It Is effective
March et al compared the effects of CBT with antidepressant drugs and combination of the two in people diagnosed with depression. CBT emerged just as effective as medication and helpful alongside medication. suggests that CBT should be first choice of treatment
Evaluation-CBT may not work for the most severe cases.
Depression can be so severe that patients cannot motivate themselves to engage with the cognitive work of CBT. Treating patients with antidepressants are more likely to work and then later CBT can be used when patient is more alert and motivated. Suggests CBT is not the sole treatment for all cases of depression.
Evaluation-Success may be due to the therapist- patient relationship
Rosenzweig suggested that all psychotherapists share one essential ingredient- the therapist and patient relationship. It may be the quality of this relationship that determines success. Luborsky found having someone to talk to and someone who will listen could matter the most.
Evaluation extra-some patients really want to explore their pasts
CBT focuses on the present and future not the patients past. SO patients can find this present focus very frustrating as there could be a link to childhood experience they want to talk about
