psychopathology - cognitive approach to treating depression

Question 1

CBT - AO1
intro

Answer 1

• treatment used to treat mental health disorders
• uses cognitive and behavioural techniques
• from cognitive viewpoint
• so overall cognitive treatment

Question 2

CBT - AO1
cognitive aim

Answer 2

• client and therapist work together
• to identify irrational/negative thoughts making person vulnerable to depression
• challenge them into rational/positive thoughts

Question 3

CBT - AO1
behavioural aim

Answer 3

aim:
- change irrational/negative thinking
- into positive/rational thinking
- by putting more effective behaviours in place
- e.g. by disputing

Question 4

CBT - AO1
empirical disputing

Answer 4

• therapist will ask client for evidence supporting irrational/negative thoughts
• e.g. where is evidence no one likes you
• homework/diary
• to test reality of beliefs
• e.g. recording every time someone is nice
• use this record in future sessions to prove negative statements as incorrect

Question 5

CBT - AO1
behavioural activation

Answer 5

• therapist will encourage client to be more active
• e.g. taking part in activities once enjoyed
• improves mood
• reduces negative thoughts

Question 6

CBT - AO1
conclusion

Answer 6

• CBT practiced with therapist
• client becomes more independent
• can gain control over depressive thoughts
• by using strategies in real world

Question 7

Research to support - AO3
March 2007

Answer 7

P - research to support
- march (2007)

E - studied adolescents with depression
- found that 81% symptoms improved after CBT
- 86% symptoms improved when CBT combined with antidepressants

E - shows CBT effective in reducing negative/irrational thoughts

L - popular choice in NHS

Question 8

DISCUSSION POINT MARCH 2007

Answer 8

• luborsky et al (2002)
• found little difference in different treatments for depression
• suggests that talking to someone matters more
• rather than specific treatment

Question 9

Limitation - AO3
requires motivation and commitment

Answer 9

P - weakness of CBT
- requires motivation and commitment

E - patients required to attend sessions overtime
- homework e.g. keeping diary
- encouraged to participate in activities once enjoyed

E - depressed individuals lack motivation

L - reducing effectiveness of CBT as treatment

Question 10

Limitation - AO3
requires motivation and commitment

THINK FURTHER

Answer 10

• CBT more effective with antidepressants
• antidepressants reduce symptoms of depression
• so individuals more more motivated to attend sessions
• shown in march’s research (increase from 81% effectiveness to 86%)

Question 11

Limitation - AO3
present-future focus

Answer 11

P - limitation of CBT
- present-future focus
- instead of past

E - clients may be aware of link between childhood/past experiences and current depression
- may want to talk about experiences

E - may find present-future focus frustrating

L - reducing effectiveness of CBT