cognitive approach to treating depression

Question 1

CBT

Answer 1

A combination of cognitive therapy and a behavioural therapy

Question 2

Challenging irrational thoughts

Answer 2

• Ellis extended his ABC model to ABCDEF
• disputing irrational thoughts
• effects of disputing
• the new Feelings that are produced
• the beliefs lead to self-defeating consequences

Question 3

Homework

Answer 3

• clients are often asked to complete assignments between therapy sessions
• tests irrational beliefs against reality and puts new rational beliefs into practice

Question 4

Behavioural activation

Answer 4

• cbt involves a specific focus on encouraging depressed clients to become more active and engage in pleasurable activities
• based on the idea that being active leads to rewards that act as an antidote to depression
• depressed people tend to shy away from activities

Question 5

Unconditional positive regard

Answer 5

• an important ingredient in successful therapy is convincing the client of their value as a human being , if they feel worthless they will be less willing to change their beliefs and behaviours
• if therapists provide respect and appreciated regardless of what the client says

Question 6

March (2007)

Answer 6

• compared the effects of cbt with antidepressant drugs and a combinations of the two in 327 adolescents with a main diagnosis of depression
• after 36 weeks 81% of CBT, 81% of anitdepressant and 865 combined significantly improved
• just as effective as medication, helpful with medicaiotn

Question 7

Limitation of CBT

Answer 7

In some cases depression can be so severe that patients cannot motivate themselves to engage with the hard work of CBT
- they may not even be able to pay attention to what is happening in the session
- treat with anti-depressants and start CBT when more alert/motivated