Cognitive treatments for depression Flashcards
What is an overview of CBT?
Most commonly used psychological treatment for depression.
Cognitive elements –> Assessment, plan (goal setting), identify negative thoughts.
Behavioural elements –> Work to change unhelpful thought patterns.
What is Beck’s Cognitive therapy?
Application of theory.
Aim to identify and challenge negative automatic thoughts around the negative triad.
What does Beck’s therapy include?
Testing reality of patients beliefs
Direct challenging
Homework
Findings used in future sessions to prove client wrong when they make irrational statement
What is Ellis’ REBT?
Extension of ABC model
D = dispute
E = effect
Identifying irrational thoughts and disputing them through vigorous arguments.
~utopianism
~musterbation
~I-can’t-stand-it-itis
Break link between event and depression.
What are the 3 different methods for disputing?
Empirical –> disputing whether theres actual evidence
Logical –> whether negative thoughts follow the facts
Pragmatic –> Questions if belief is helpful in solving the matter.
What is behavioural application?
‘Getting people to do stuff’
Gradually decrease avoidance and isolation by increasing engagement in activities which show to improve mood.
Strength of CBT
Research support (REAL IMPORTANT)
March et al (2007)
Found CBT as effective as antidepressants in treating depression.
327 adolescents with depression diagnosis
Compared antidepressants, CBT and combination
36 weeks –>
~81% of antidepressants
~81% of CBT
~86% of combination
Demonstrates effectiveness of CBT and works well alongside medication with combination showing most improvement.
Weakness of CBT
Suitability for diverse clients
CBT ineffective for more severe cases with people with learning difficulties.
CBT = motivation
—> may not present in more severe cases of depression.
Cognitive work not suitable for learning difficulties
——> Sturmey (2005)
CBT only effective for specific range of clients.
COUNTERPOINT
Recent evidence challenges previous ideas.
Lewis + Lewis (2016) —> CBT was as effective as antidepressants for severe depression.
Taylor et al (2008) —> when used appropriately CBT effective for people with learning difficulties.
Suitable for wider range than initially thought.
Weakness of CBT
Relapse rate
Concerns on how long benefits last.
Recent studies suggest long-term outcomes infact not as good as once thought.
Ali et al (2017) assessed depression in 439 clients every month for 12 months following course of CBT.
42% relapsed within 6 months of ending treatment
53% relapsed within a year.
Means that CBT may need to be repeated periodically.
