cognitive approach to treating depression Flashcards
What is cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)?
A method for treating mental disorders based on both cognitive and behavioural techniques.
What is the primary focus of the cognitive element in CBT?
To deal with thinking, such as challenging negative thoughts.
What are irrational thoughts?
Thoughts that are likely to interfere with a person’s happiness, also known as dysfunctional thoughts.
What mental disorders can dysfunctional thoughts lead to?
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Other mental health issues
What is the most commonly used psychological treatment for depression?
Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT).
What does the cognitive element of CBT involve?
Assessment, clarifying problems, identifying goals, and planning to achieve them.
What is the central task of CBT?
To identify negative or irrational thoughts that will benefit from challenge.
What does the behavioural element of CBT focus on?
Changing negative and irrational thoughts and implementing more effective behaviours.
What is the negative triad in Beck’s cognitive therapy?
Automatic thoughts about the world, the self, and the future.
What is a key component of Beck’s cognitive therapy?
Challenging automatic negative thoughts.
What role does homework play in cognitive therapy?
Clients record enjoyable events or positive interactions to challenge negative beliefs.
What is Ellis’s rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT)?
A therapy that extends the ABC model to an ABCDE model, focusing on disputing irrational thoughts.
In the ABCDE model of REBT, what does ‘D’ stand for?
Dispute.
In the ABCDE model of REBT, what does ‘E’ stand for?
Effect.
What is a common method used in REBT to challenge negative beliefs?
Empirical argument and logical argument.
What is the goal of behavioural activation?
To decrease avoidance and isolation in depressed individuals and increase engagement in mood-improving activities.
What activities are encouraged in behavioural activation?
- Exercising
- Going out to dinner
- Other social activities
True or False: The hallmark of REBT is a vigorous argument to change irrational beliefs.
True.
Fill in the blank: The cognitive behaviour therapist works with the client to clarify the client’s _______.
[problems].
What is a key strength of CBT?
Large body of evidence supporting its effectiveness for treating depression.
Many studies, such as those by John March et al. (2007), show that CBT works effectively.
What were the improvement rates for the CBT group in John March et al.’s study?
81% of the CBT group improved after 36 weeks.
The study compared CBT, antidepressants, and a combination of both treatments.
How many sessions does CBT typically require?
Six to twelve sessions.
This makes CBT a cost-effective treatment option.
In which public health care system is CBT widely seen as the first choice of treatment?
National Health Service (NHS).
CBT’s effectiveness and cost-effectiveness contribute to its preference.
What is one limitation of CBT for treating depression?
Lack of effectiveness for severe cases and clients with learning disabilities.
Severe depression may hinder clients’ motivation and engagement in CBT.
Why might CBT be unsuitable for clients with learning disabilities?
The complex rational thinking involved in CBT.
Peter Sturmey (2005) suggests psychotherapy is generally unsuitable for this group.
What does recent evidence suggest about CBT’s effectiveness for severe depression?
CBT may be as effective as antidepressant drugs and behavioral therapies.
Reviews by Gemma Lewis and Glyn Lewis (2016) support this claim.
What did John Taylor et al. (2008) conclude about CBT and learning disabilities?
CBT is effective for people with learning disabilities when used appropriately.
This challenges earlier beliefs about the limitations of CBT.
What is a further limitation of CBT regarding treatment outcomes?
High relapse rates after treatment.
Concerns exist about the longevity of CBT’s benefits.
What percentage of clients relapsed into depression within six months after CBT according to Shehzad Ali et al. (2017)?
42% relapsed within six months.
The study involved 439 clients assessed monthly for a year.
What percentage of clients relapsed within a year after completing CBT?
53% relapsed within a year.
This indicates the need for periodic repetition of CBT.
Fill in the blank: CBT is usually a fairly brief therapy requiring _______ sessions.
six to twelve
