Depression Evaluations

Question 1

Ellis evaluation (practical applications)

Answer 1

Ellis’ theory has led to practical applications, including the treatment for depressing, CBT and REBT

The therapist will challenge irrational negative beliefs and hope to reduce the depression in the patient

These therapies have been successfully used to treat people with depression, providing further support to the cognitive explanation of depression. Also have economic implications…

Question 2

Beck’s evaluation (reductionist)

Answer 2

Becks theory does not explain all the symptoms of depression

Some depressed patients are deeply angry and Beck cannot easily explain this extreme emotion

This suggests that Becks theory may be limited and not offer a holistic explanation of depression

Question 3

Becks evaluation (cause and effect)

Answer 3

It is difficult to establish cause and effect

It is difficult to know of these negative thoughts cause depression or depression causes the negative thoughts

Therefore, causality cannot be established

Question 4

Evaluation extra (Beck and Ellis)

Answer 4

Both Beck’s and Ellis’ theories ignore other possible explanations of depression. The biological approach to understanding mental disorders suggests that genes and neurotransmitters may cause depression

The success of drug therapies for treating depression suggest that neurotransmitters do play an important role; the medication alters levels of specific neurotransmitters and reduces the symptoms

At the very least, a diathesis-stress approach may be advisable, suggesting that individuals with a genetic vulnerability for depression are more prone to the effects of living in a negative environment, which then leads to negative irrational thinking

Question 5

Beck AO1

Answer 5

Born vulnerable to depression

3 parts (faulty info processing, negative self schema, negative triad)

Question 6

Ellis AO1

Answer 6

ABD theory (Activating event, Beliefs, Consequence)