Depression

Question 1

Define Depression

Answer 1

A mental disorder characterised by low mood and low energy levels.

Question 2

Behavioural Characteristics of Depression

Answer 2

Activity levels: reduced levels of energy, making them more lethargic. This then leads to withdrawal from work/education/social life etc. – some people can’t even get out of bed – avolition. Sometimes the opposite can occur (psychomotor agitation) – people can struggle to relax. Sleep – too much (hypersomnia) or too little (insomnia). Disruption to eating – too little or too much. Self-harm/aggressive behaviour.

Question 3

Emotional Characteristics of Depression

Answer 3

Low self-esteem: when an individual views themselves as inadequate, incompetent, and worthless. Low mood: feeling empty or worthless Anger: directed at themselves or others.

Question 4

Cognitive Characteristics of Depression

Answer 4

Poor concentration: difficult to stick to one task, difficulty making decisions, which might impact on work/ educational situations. Focussing on the negative: more inclined to focus on negative rather than positive (glass half full/glass half empty). More likely to remember the negative events they have experienced. Absolutist thinking: “black and white thinking” – when a situation is bad its very bad, when something is good its good (there’s no in between)

Question 5

What are the 2 explanations proposed by the Cognitive Approach for Depression?

Answer 5

1. Beck’s Cognitive Theory of Depression.

2. Ellis’s ABC Model.

Question 6

Explain Faulty Thought Processing

Answer 6

Overgeneralisation – sweeping conclusions drawn on the basis of a single event. Catastrophising – thinking of the worst-case scenario. Absolutist Thinking – black or white thinking and ignoring the middle ground; you are a success or a failure, rather than not good at some things but ok at others.

Question 7

Define Negative Self Schema

Answer 7

A self-schema is a package of ideas that we have about ourselves. People who have become depressed have developed negative self-schemas and therefore they interpret all the information about themselves in a negative way

Question 8

Explain The Negative Triad

Answer 8

Beck built on the idea of maladaptive responses and suggested that people with depression become trapped in a cycle of negative thoughts. They have a tendency to view themselves, the world and the future in pessimistic ways – the triad of impairments
Negative view of the self (I am incompetent and undeserving), Negative view of the world (it is a hostile place – no hope), Negative view of the future (problems will not disappear, I am always a failure)

Question 9

Explain Activating Event

Answer 9

Irrational thoughts are triggered by external events (e.g. Life experiences). Get depressed when we experience something negative, and this is what triggers the irrational beliefs. A situation that results in feelings of frustration and anxiety.

Question 10

Explain Beliefs

Answer 10

Ellis identified a range of irrational beliefs called mustabatory thinking. Things we must be to become happy. The idea that we must always be perfect/successful is irrational- it isn’t really possible. When people think something is a total disaster if it doesn’t go to plan or smoothly… this is also irrational. These events may lead to irrational beliefs

Question 11

Explain Consequences

Answer 11

When an external event triggers irrational belief, there are always emotional and behavioural consequences which are self-defeating. These beliefs may then lead to consequences (self-defeating) consequences.

Question 12

2 Strengths of the Cognitive Approach to EXPLAINING Depression

Answer 12

Scientific and Useful

Question 13

2 Limitations of the Cognitive Approach to EXPLAINING Depression

Answer 13

Reductionist and Less reliable due to the cause/consequence argument can’t be applied to the explanation of Depression

Question 14

What 2 treatments are used through the Cognitive Approach

Answer 14

CBT and REBT

Question 15

Define CBT

Answer 15

Mainly used to treat depression but can be used on a range of other mental health and physical problems (including IBS and Tourette Syndrome). Carried out by a trained profession e.g. clinical psychologist therapist. Begins with an assessment – identify problems the individual maybe having.

Question 16

Explain the Main aims of CBT

Answer 16

Main aims of CBT Identify joint goals and create a plan to achieve them – a positive patient/therapist relationship is crucial. CBT aims to replace these negative/irrational thoughts with more positive and rational ones. Main task: identify any negative/irrational thoughts and what trigger those thoughts.

Question 17

Explain the Features of CBT

Answer 17

The therapist will challenge negative/irrational thoughts by posing questions, e.g. if someone you loved had this thought, what would you say to them? Uses the negative triad and tries to break the negative cycle and replacing them with more positive thoughts by setting homework - referred to as “patient as scientist.” E.g. mood diary – recording when they enjoyed an event or when someone paid them a compliment to discuss in the next therapy session. This would include situation, feelings, negative thoughts, thought challenging and alternative response. Reality testing e.g. “people don’t like me” – task: count how many people smile at you

Question 18

Explain REBT & the extension of the ABC model

Answer 18

REBT & the extension of the ABC model Based on the idea that many problems are the result of faulty thinking. Aims to identify and dispute irrational thoughts. The method can be said to be more confrontational than beck’s by challenging the clients self-defeating beliefs in intense debates.

Question 19

Define the Types of Disputing

Answer 19

Usually in REBT the dispute will involve a vigorous discussion between patient and therapist as irrational beliefs are challenged. The effect of the dispute: treatment is deemed successful when irrational thoughts are challenged and changed for more effective and rational ones. New feelings are produced.
There are 3 types of disputing:
1. Logical disputing – does thinking in this way make sense?
2. Empirical disputing – what proof do you have this is correct?
3. Pragmatic Disputing – Is this way of thinking helpful or practical in any way?

Question 20

Define Behavioural Activation

Answer 20

This is used alongside CBT and REBT. The therapist may ask their patient to be more active and engage in enjoyable activities e.g. hobbies

Question 21

2 Strengths of the Cognitive Approach to TREATING Depression

Answer 21

Effective/Successful and Preferable treatment over drug therapy

Question 22

2 Limitations of the Cognitive Approach to TREATING Depression

Answer 22

Not applicable to everyone due to individual differences and not effective for everyone.