cognitive approach to treating depression

Question 1

what is CBT

Answer 1

congitive: identifys irrational and negative thoughts that would benefit from challenge
behavioural: work to change negative and irrational thoughts and puts more effective behaviours into place
begins with inital assement where asses problems. jointly identify goals for therapy + plan how achieved (goal setting)

Question 2

therapists use techniques from who?

Answer 2

-becks cognitive therapy
-ellis’ rational emotive behavioural therapy

Question 3

what happens in Beck’s cognitive therapy?

Answer 3

1. therapist identify + challenge automatic negative thoughts about negative triad
2. test reality of neg beliefs through homework
3. this is used as evidence if pateint continue to believe their irrational thoughts
4. eventually see things optimistically reducing depressive thoughts

Question 4

what happens in Ellis’ rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT)?

Answer 4

1. ABCD: D=dispute. E=effect.
2. REBT therapist identifies these + disputes irrational beliefs through vigorous argument
3. asked to reinterpret their ABC + practice positive + optimistic thinking.
4. intended effect is to change irrational belief + break link between negative life events + depression

Question 5

what are the two arguments?

Answer 5

• empirical
• logical

Question 6

what is an empirical argument?

Answer 6

there is evidence to support beliefs

Question 7

what is a logical argument?

Answer 7

disputing whether the thought logically follows on from the fact

Question 8

what happens in Behavioural Activation?

Answer 8

• therapist encourages depressed patient to decrease avoidance of difficult situation + isolation.
• instead should be more active + engaged in enjoyable activities
• this behaviour activation will provide more evidence for irrational nature of beliefs + help take part in enjoyable activities again

Question 9

Strengths of approach

Answer 9

1. Evidence supporting effectiveness of CBT- March CBT + antidepressants vs isolated. Improvement- 81% CBT, 81% antidepressants, 86% CBT + antidepressants. Valuable
2. CBT few side effects- techniques in CBT, ethical, long term. C-> 42% relapse within 6 months. Only short term

Question 10

Limitations of the approach

Answer 10

1. CBT may not work for everyone-
   depression so severe cant motivate themselves to engage in work in CBT. More holistic- cbt + antidepressants. + not suitable for those not comfortable talking about feelings.
2. Overemphasis on present cognitions-
   CBT focus on present + future, ignore past. Psychoanalysis uses dream analysis + interpretation. Some know link is to past (childhood trauma) + want to speak about it. Reductionist
3. Success due to relationship-
   Quality of rel determines success, opportunity to talk to sm who will listen matters most, questions validity