Depression - cognitive explanation and treatments

Question 1

Outline (AO1) the cognitive explanation of depression

Answer 1

Depression result of negative thinking and faulty information processing
People w/ depression tend to look at the negatives only
Have negative self schemas
Beck proposes negative triad
Ellis argues depression is a result of irrational beliefs and proposes ABC model

Question 2

what is beck’s negative triad

Answer 2

negative view of the self world and future

create vulnerability for depression

Question 3

what is ellis’ ABC model

Answer 3

a = activating event
b = belief
c= consequence

in depression, belief is irrational, leading to negative consequence

Question 4

limitation of cognitive explanation (ethics/socially sensitive)

Answer 4

Blames sufferer for their own depression i.e ABC model says it’s a result of irrational beliefs

this is controversial and unfair as it locates the responsibility of the depression purely with the sufferer

socially sensitive - feel helpless

Question 5

strength of cognitive explanations (treatments)

Answer 5

Led to the development of treatments for depression such as CBT and REBT

Therefore the explanation has real world application in treating the disorder, which ultimately allows people to live fulfilling lives and return to work (positive economic implications)

Proven success of the treatments shows that the theory they are based on is valid and credible

Question 6

what are the treatments for depression

Answer 6

CBT and REBT

Question 7

CBT

Answer 7

using the client as a scientist
works to challenge negative thoughts
e.g keeping a diary of positive things

Question 8

REBT

Answer 8

ABCDE , where D is to dispute the irrational belief, and E is the effect this has (positive)

Question 9

Limitation of treatments (CBT is time consuming)

Answer 9

Time consuming - may take a number of sessions to see progress

Patient may feel like its not working, so likely to have high attrition rates

May turn to drug therapies: issue because only treats symptoms not the cause of the disorder.

Limits the effectiveness

Question 10

Strength: can combine therapies with drug treatments

Answer 10

Combining therapy with drug treatments allows a reduction in symptoms, so patients can focus better on CBT

This means CBT is more likely to be effective, so the cause can be treated, and attrition rates will be lower.

Question 11

Strength: therapy>drugs

Answer 11

Treats root cause of the disorder not just symptoms

No side effects of the drugs

More effective in long run, so people can return to work, positive economic implications