cognitive approach to treating depression

Question 1

explain what cognitive behaviour therapy is

Answer 1

it also includes behavioural elements

1. Begins with an assessment where client and therapist work together to clarify clients problems. - identify goals and put together plans to achieve them. central task is to identify negative or irrational thoughts that will benefit from challenge.
2. behaviour element- CBT involves working to change negative and irrational thoughts and finally put more effective behaviours into place.

Question 2

what are the two elements that are involved in CBT therapy?

Answer 2

cognitive element- finding irrational/negative thoughts

behavioural element- changing these thoughts and putting effective behaviours into place.

Question 3

explain Becks cognitive therapy

Answer 3

1. identify the negative triad
2. challenge negative triad (central component of therapy)

helps test reality of their irrational/negative beliefs

set homework like writing down positive things that happened to them or when they enjoyed themselves. which is referred to as ‘client as scientist’. When they return to irrational beliefs the therapist can produce this as evidence.

Question 4

explain Elli’s rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT)

Answer 4

extends the ABC model ABCDE
D= dispute E= effect

goal=identify and dispute irrational thoughts.

involves rigorous argument.

The therapist identifies things like utopianism and challenge this as irrational belief

different methods for disputing: empirical argument, logical argument.

Question 5

what is behavioural activation?

Answer 5

to gradually decrease an individuals avoidance and isolation and increase their engagement in activities that have been shown to improve mood

Question 6

evaluate cognitive behavioural therapy

Answer 6

evidence forb its effectiveness (strength)
- John March et al. (2017) compared CBT to antidepressant drugs and a combination of both when treating 327 depressed adolescents.
-After 36 weeks 81% of the CBT group, 81% of the antidepressant group and 86% of the both group were significantly improved so CBT is just as effective when used on its own as alternative treatments

Suitability for diverse clients (limitation)
- for severe cases and people with learning difficulties.
- depression can be so bad ppl cant motivate themselves to engage in therapy/ pay attention.
- complex rational thinking may not be appropriate for people with learning disabilities Sturmey (2005) suggested any type of ‘talking’ therapy is not suitable for people with learning difficulties (COUNTER) review by Lewis and Lewis (2016) concluded that CBT was as effective as antidepressant drugs and behavioural therapies for severe depression. And another review by Taylor et al. (2008) said that when used appropriately CBT is effective for people with learning disabilities.

Relapse rates (LIMITATION)
- high
- long term outcomes are not as good
- Shehzad Ali et al. (2017) assessed depression in 439 clients relapsed into depression within 6 months of ending treatment and 53% replaced after 1 year
so it should be repeated periodically.