Cognitive Approach To Treating Depression

Question 1

CBT

Answer 1

Mainly used to treat depression but can be used on range of other mental health eg anxiety + IBS
works on what is going on in present

Question 2

Main aims of CBT

Answer 2

• To understand how our thoughts affect how we feel and behave
• to identify faulty thought processes with therapist
• to break cycle of negative thoughts

Question 3

Features of CBT

Answer 3

• often takes place over many sessions
• good relationship needed between therapist and client
• may set work to be completed between sessions

Question 4

REBT - rational emotive behavioural therapy

Answer 4

Extension of ABC model
Aim is to identify and dispute irrational thoughts
D: dispute
E: effect
F: feeling

Question 5

3 types of disputing

Answer 5

1. Logical disputing- does the thinking make sense
2. Empirical disputing- any proof you’re thinking is correct
3. Pragmatic disputing- is the thinking helpful

Question 6

Behavioural activation

Answer 6

Therapist may set client behavioural activation tasks. These encourage patient to be more active and engage in things they used to before the depression became severe

Question 7

Strengths of cog approach to treating depression
Both effective

Answer 7

P: both CBT and REBT are effective
E: patients reported an 86% decrease in symptoms whilst undergoing CBT vs 81% decrease in symptoms taking SSRIs
C: could be over reliant or addicted to drugs and side effects. CBT is actually talking through what’s going on

Question 8

Strengths of cog approach to treating depression
Long term effects

Answer 8

P: some positive effects of undertaking both therapies
E: whilst undertaking therapy, individuals learn how to identify and then challenge their own negative thoughts, increasing their own awareness of their own mental state
C: prevent relapse

Question 9

Limitations of cog approach to treating depression
Can’t be used for everyone

Answer 9

P: CBT and REBT can’t be used with all individuals suffering with mental health disorders
E: some people could have no motivation so wouldn’t be able to participate in hour long CBT sessions, especially if they can’t get out of bed
C: can’t be treated with CBT depression could last longer

Question 10

Limitations of cog approach to treating depression
Not for the past

Answer 10

P: CBT/REBT can’t be used to explore people’s past
E: some people may be very aware that a past event has caused their depression but that can’t be explored in detail during CBT
C: people undertaking CBT need to be be assessed before starting sessions