Psychopathology - depression

Question 1

What is depression?

Answer 1

A mental disorder characterised by low mood and low energy levels

Question 2

What are behavioural characteristics of depression?

Answer 2

• weight loss/gain
• disruption to sleep
• low energy levels: lethargy
• self harm
• poor hygiene (self and environment)

Question 3

What are emotional characteristics of depression?

Answer 3

• low mood and persistent sadness
• anger
• low self esteem and reduced self worth

Question 4

What are cognitive characteristics of depression?

Answer 4

• poor concentration
• dwelling on the negative
• absolutist thinking
• negative schema

Question 5

What are the two ways of explaining depression (cognitive approach)?

Answer 5

Beck’s negative triad and Ellis’s ABC model

Question 6

What is Beck’s negative triad?

Answer 6

People have faulty information processing, meaning they pay attention to negative and can’t process the positive. They hold negative views on the self, the world, the future.

Question 7

What are the negative schemas from Beck’s model?

Answer 7

Expecting failure, responsible for misfortune, worthlessness

Question 8

What are the cognitive biases from Beck’s model?

Answer 8

Conclusions without much evidence, conclusions drawn from one part of a situation, generalization and exaggeration.

Question 9

Evaluation of Beck’s negative triad?

Answer 9

+ Supported by evidence from Grazioli and Terry (2000) where they assessed pregnant women for cognitive vulnerability and depression before and after giving birth. Higher cognitive vulnerability meant more chance of post-natal depression.
+ Practical applications of CBT, challenging negative triad
- Doesn’t explain all aspects of depression: anger, hallucinations or delusions

Question 10

What is Ellis’s ABC model of depression?

Answer 10

A - activating event
B - belief
C - consequences
People’s interpretations of external events differ and negative ones can cause depression.

Question 11

What is an evaluation of Ellis’s ABC model of depression?

Answer 11

+ Practical applications of CBT, challenging negative, irrational beliefs
- Doesn’t explain all aspects of depression: anger, hallucinations or delusions
- Some types of depression aren’t caused by an event and aren’t reactive depression so this is a limited explanation

Question 12

What is the process of CBT?

Answer 12

Identifying negative or irrational thinking patterns that need to be challenged and then coming up with goals together to help do that.

Question 13

How long does CBT usually last?

Answer 13

16-30 weeks

Question 14

What is Beck’s CBT?

Answer 14

Focus on identifying negative thoughts from the negative triad. Challenging those thoughts and getting patient to investigate the reality of the thoughts. Collect evidence that can be used in future sessions to show that their negative belief/thought is not valid

Question 15

What is Ellis’s REBT

Answer 15

Extends ABC to ABCDE model

Question 16

What does ABCDE stand for?

Answer 16

Activating event
Belief
Consequence
Dispute
Effect

Question 17

What is the process of REBT?

Answer 17

To challenge the negative/irrational belief, vigorous argument takes place between patient and therapist. Either use empirical arguments (evidence to support) or logical arguments (does negative thought logically follow facts)

Question 18

What is behavioural action/ pleasant event scheduling?

Answer 18

Alongside CBT, therapists encourage patients to engage in more enjoyable activities, providing more evidence for future sessions.

Question 19

What are the strengths of the cognitive approach to treating depression?

Answer 19

+ Effective
research by March et al (2007)
CBT group - 81% improvement after 36 weeks, same as group on antidepressants. CBT is at least as effective as medication
+ New evidence of being suitable for diverse range of patients
Taylor et al reviewed research and found that when used appropriately, CBT is effective for people with learning disabilities, challenging previous beliefs

Question 20

What are limitations of the cognitive approach to treating depression?

Answer 20

• client preference
  not comfortable or enjoyable for patients, and sometimes not quick enough
  Yrondi et al found that patients rate CBT as their least preferred psychological therapy
• not suitable for diverse patients
  hard work = unsuitable for learning difficulties
  severe depression means they can’t pay attention or be bothered with CBT
• high relapse rates
  Ali et al assessed depression every month 12 months after CBT
  42% relapsed in 6 months, 53% relapsed within a year