Cognitive approach treating depression

Question 1

cognitive behavioural therapy

Answer 1

a method for treating mental disorders based on both cognitive and behavioural techniques. From the cognitive viewpoint the therapy aims to deal with thinking, such as challenging negative thoughts. The therapy also includes behavioural techniques such as behavioural activation.

Question 2

irrational thoughts

Answer 2

dysfunctional thoughts. In Ellis’s model and therapy these are defined as thoughts that are likely to interfere with a person’s happiness

Question 3

cognitive approach to treating depression

Answer 3

• CBT: Beck’s cognitive therapy
• CBT: Ellis’s rational emotive behavioural therapy (REBT)

Question 4

CBT: Beck’s cognitive therapy

Answer 4

Cognitive therapy is the application of Beck’s negative triad theory of depression.
First you identify the automatic thoughts about the world, self and future.
Then you challenge them and test the reality of the negative beliefs.
This sometimes involves homework to back it up so record when people were nice to them so if patient says no one is nice to them therapist can produce evidence and use it to prove them wrong

Question 5

CBT: Ellis’s rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT)

Answer 5

extends the ABC model to ABCDE model. D- dispute and E- effect.

• The central technique to this is to identify and dispute (challenge) irrational thoughts.
  Empirical argument involve disputing whether there is actual evidence to support the negative belief. Logical argument involves disputing whether the negative thought logically follows the facts.
• behavioural activation (encourage patient to be more active and engage in enjoyable activities) more evident for irrational nature of beliefs

Question 6

Behavioural activation

Answer 6

to work with depressed individuals to gradually decrease their avoidance and isolation, and increase their engagement in activities that have been shown to improve mood

Question 7

Strength of the cognitive approach to treating depression - CBT

Answer 7

• large body of supporting evidence
• march et al found that 81% of people improved after 36 weeks of CBT alone
• shows CBT is just as effective as anti depressants
• CBT is now seen as the first treatment choice

Question 8

Limitation of the cognitive approach to treating depression - lack of effectiveness

Answer 8

• high relapse rates
• Shehzad Ali et al. found that 42% of 439 clients relapsed within six months of ending treatment
• means CBT may need to be repeated periodically
• long term effectiveness of CBT could be questioned