PS8. Cognitive Approach to Treating Depression

Question 1

CBT

Answer 1

• aims to identify and challenge irrational beliefs, replacing them with more productive behaviours (e.g. Beck’s CBT)
• guided by cognitive triad, faulty info, or negative self-schemas
• also aims to test reality of patients beliefs (Ellis’ Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy)
• could be a logical argument (belief doesn’t follow-on from facts), or empirical (no evidence to support belief)
• patient’s also encourage to actively engage in enjoyable activities

Question 2

• Eval: solely CBT not appropriate for all cases of depression

Answer 2

• March et al.
• combination of CBT and antidepressants is the best combination
• as depressed individuals may not be able to attend CBT regularly due to a lack of motivation, or low self-esteem (‘not good enough for CBT’)
• supports idea that solely CBT is not effective for more severe cases

Question 3

• Eval: CBT doesn’t take past events into account

Answer 3

• patient may have experienced a specific triggering event (e.g. traumatic event, loss of loved one, etc.)
• however, CBT therapies unwilling to ‘dwell on the past’, so therefore ignore said past event
• may anger patient, as they feel they have no control over recovery, despite being able to identify distal cause of depression