P - the cognitive approach to treating depression (AO3)

Question 1

What is a strength of CBT as a treatment for depression? - Large body of evidence to support its efficacy

Answer 1

===> March et al (2007) examined 327 adolescents with depression. 81% of group treated with antidepressants and group treated with CBT had significantly improved after 36 weeks - but 86% of antidepressant and CBT group had improved. Shows CBT is effective but combo of treatments may be most effective. Supports diathesis-stress model of treatment

Question 2

What is a limitation of CBT as a treatment? - May not be suitable for all patients

Answer 2

===> Main symptom of depression is lack of motivation which a lot of is required for CBT - may struggle with homework. Leavy et al (2007) found small effect for face-to-face delivered CBT in reducing suicidal thoughts but none for online-delivered - suggests CBT only useful for mild/moderate cases of depression

Question 3

What is a limitation of CBT as a treatment? - High relapse rates

Answer 3

===> Early studies didn’t look at long-term effects of CBT but Ali et al (2017) assessed depressed patients following CBT and found 42% relapse rate in 6 months, 53% within 12. Practical implications that it might need to be repeated periodically which has economic negatives

Question 4

What is a limitation of CBT as a treatment? - Only focuses on present of a patient’s life

Answer 4

===> Patients that have adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) might need to explore root causes of depression so discussing current irrational beliefs won’t help them. CBT not applicable to all causes of depression