Cognitive Approach To Treating Depression

Question 1

Aim of CBT

Answer 1

To identify and challenge irrational thoughts, replacing them with more productive behaviour

Question 2

Cognitive therapy aims for patients to test the reality of their beliefs. Example to support this

Answer 2

• a patient may record each time someone was nice to them for the past week
• next time they say that everyone hates them, the therapist can point towards the journal as counter evidence , thus proving the patients beliefs are irrational

Question 3

Weakness of cbt

Answer 3

• may not be appropriate for all cases of depression , particularly the most severe
• those with severe depression may not be able to attend the regular CBT sessions, due to a lack of motivation / inability to get out of bed in the morning and may feel they are beyond help
• cannot be used to address all cases of depression