Depression ESSAY

Question 1

What theory underpins CBT, and what does it target?

Answer 1

Beck’s Cognitive Theory underpins CBT. It targets negative cognitive patterns (the negative cognitive triad: self, world, future) and maladaptive behaviors.

Question 2

What are the three stages of CBT treatment, and what do they focus on?

Answer 2

Initial Sessions (1-2): Build rapport, set goals, introduce the CBT model, and assign homework.
Middle Sessions (3-10): Focus on cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and skill-building (e.g., relaxation techniques).
Later Sessions (11+): Relapse prevention, recognizing early depression signs, and reapplying CBT techniques.

Question 3

What are the strengths of CBT?

Answer 3

Strong empirical support, structured and goal-oriented, and uses homework to enhance long-term coping strategies.

Question 4

What are the limitations of CBT?

Answer 4

Limited long-term efficacy, less effective for severe depression or complex cases, and time-intensive.

Question 5

What does IPT focus on, and what theory is it based on?

Answer 5

IPT focuses on resolving interpersonal issues like role transitions, grief, and conflicts to reduce depression. It is based on Interpersonal Theory.

Question 6

What are the three phases of IPT treatment?

Answer 6

Phase 1 (Sessions 1-4): Assess interpersonal problems and set goals.
Phase 2 (Sessions 5-12): Address specific issues using problem-solving strategies.
Phase 3 (Sessions 13-16): Review progress and plan for relapse prevention.

Question 7

What are the strengths of IPT?

Answer 7

Effective for interpersonal stressors, time-limited, and structured.

Question 8

What are the limitations of IPT?

Answer 8

Limited for severe or treatment-resistant depression, narrow focus on interpersonal issues, and less effective for people with emotional processing difficulties.

Question 9

What theory is BA based on, and what does it target?

Answer 9

Based on Behavioral Theory (Lewinsohn’s Model), BA targets the lack of positive reinforcement by encouraging re-engagement in meaningful activities.

Question 10

What are the three stages of BA treatment?

Answer 10

Functional Analysis: Identify avoidance behaviors and low activity engagement.
Activity Scheduling: Plan small, achievable, and rewarding tasks.
Monitoring Progress: Track mood and behavior changes, adjusting activities as needed.

Question 11

What are the strengths of BA?

Answer 11

Simple, resource-efficient, and effective for treatment-resistant depression.

Question 12

What are the limitations of BA?

Answer 12

Limited focus on cognitive or emotional issues and challenging for severely depressed individuals with low motivation.

Question 13

What does psychodynamic therapy target, and what techniques does it use?

Answer 13

PDT targets unconscious conflicts and early life experiences. Techniques include free association, transference analysis, and insight development.

Question 14

What are the stages of PDT treatment?

Answer 14

Initial assessment
Uncover unconscious material
Explore transference
Develop insight and work through issues
Termination and relapse prevention

Question 15

What are the strengths of PDT?

Answer 15

Addresses deep emotional issues, provides long-term benefits, and fosters emotional regulation.

Question 16

What are the limitations of PDT?

Answer 16

Lacks empirical evidence, is time-intensive and costly, and is less effective for severe or acute depression.

Question 17

How do antidepressants work, and what neurotransmitters do they target?

Answer 17

Antidepressants, like SSRIs, regulate mood by adjusting serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels.

Question 18

What are the three stages of medication treatment?

Answer 18

Initial Prescription: Start appropriate medication.
Ongoing Monitoring: Track side effects and dosage adjustments.
Long-Term Management: Use for chronic or recurrent depression, often with psychotherapy.

Question 19

What are the strengths of antidepressants?

Answer 19

Quick relief for severe depression, widely accessible, and less effort-intensive for patients.

Question 20

What are the limitations of antidepressants?

Answer 20

Side effects (e.g., nausea, weight gain), adherence issues, and delayed onset of effects.

Question 21

What is ECT, and when is it used?

Answer 21

ECT is a biological treatment involving controlled seizures to treat severe, treatment-resistant depression.

Question 22

What are the main limitations of ECT?

Answer 22

Memory loss, cognitive impairment, and long-term cognitive issues.

Question 23

What theory underpins counselling, and what does it emphasize?

Answer 23

Based on Humanistic/Client-Centered Theory, counseling emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and active listening.

Question 24

What is the main limitation of counseling?

Answer 24

Lack of structured frameworks and less effective for individuals needing specific cognitive or behavioral strategies.