psychopathology: depression

Question 1

Outline 2 behavioural Characteristics of Depression

Answer 1

social withdrawal
changes in activity level

Question 2

Outline 2 emotional Characteristics of Depression

Answer 2

lowered mood
anger

Question 3

Outline 2 cognitive characteristics of Depression

Answer 3

poor concentration
faulty thinking

Question 4

Outline Beck’s Negative Triad - what 3 things do People with Depression have negative views of? Give an example of each

Answer 4

the self (low self-esteem)
the world (society)
the future (never changing)

Question 5

What is meant by a Negative Self-schema?

Answer 5

mental picture people have about themselves, but it’s usually negative and critical. It affects how they see themselves, how they feel, and what they do.

Question 6

What does the ABC stand for in Ellis’s Model? Give an example of each

Answer 6

a = activating event (trigger)
b = belief (rational/irrational)
c = consequence (outcome)

Question 7

What did Grazioli and Terry find in their research on pregnant women?

Answer 7

found that pregnant women who scored higher on measures of anxiety and stress were more likely to have infants who showed negative temperament traits, such as fussiness and difficulty calming down. This suggests that maternal anxiety and stress during pregnancy may influence the temperament of the infant.

Question 8

Why does this study support Beck’s model? A03

Answer 8

According to Beck’s model, negative cognitive schemas or patterns of thinking contribute to the onset and persistence of depression. In the case of Grazioli and Terry’s study on pregnant women, maternal anxiety and stress during pregnancy can be seen as examples of negative cognitive factors. These negative cognitive factors, such as excessive worry and negative perceptions of stressors, can contribute to the development of depression in pregnant women.

Question 9

How does the success of CBT e.g. March et al 2007, support the explanation? A03

Answer 9

March et al. (2007) followed 3 groups after 36 weeks of treatments:
CBT group= 81 % improved
antidepressant = 81% improved
both= 86% improved

It helped them feel better and function better in their lives. This shows that changing how people think and behave, like CBT does, can make a big difference in treating depression.

Question 10

What aspects of depression are not explained by the cognitive explanation? A03

Answer 10

physical symptoms e.g. changes in sleep and appetite

genetic explanations , life events, trauma

Question 11

What might be a better explanation for depression if not caused by an activating event? A03

Answer 11

Biological factors like brain chemistry, genetics, psychological traits, environmental causes

Question 12

Why can we say some cases of depression are not caused by irrational beliefs? A03

Answer 12

depression can be influenced by things like genetics, stressful life events, difficult relationships, or health conditions.

Question 13

Describe what is meant by ‘thought catching’ in CBT therapy

Answer 13

paying attention to your thoughts and noticing when they become negative or unhelpful.

Question 14

Describe 2 techniques used in CBT to help challenge irrational beliefs

Answer 14

data gathering - recording positive experiences
patient becomes scientist - finds evidence to prove they are having faulty beliefs

Question 15

What did March et al 2007 find to support the effectiveness of CBT? A03

Answer 15

March et al. (2007) followed 3 groups after 36 weeks of treatments:
CBT group= 81 % improved
antidepressant = 81% improved
both= 86% improved

Question 16

Why is CBT less cost effective and more time consuming than Drug treatments for depression? A03

Answer 16

because it requires a therapist, which usually has a 8 month waiting list on the NHS a

Question 17

Why is Drug treatment often combined with CBT? A03

Answer 17

because it offers a more complete approach to treating mental health issues. Medication targets biological factors, while CBT helps people change their negative thoughts and behaviors. Together, they can lead to better outcomes than either treatment alone, reducing symptoms and preventing relapse. This combination allows for personalized treatment that addresses both biological and psychological aspects of the condition, improving overall effectiveness.

Question 18

Why might CBT not work for some people with depression? A03

Answer 18

some people aren’t ready to make changes or might not believe that CBT can help them, CBT might not match everyone’s personality or the way they think so some people might not find it helpful or might struggle to apply the techniques, Depression can be caused by many different things: like biology, life experiences, or relationships so CBT might not address all these issues for everyone.

Question 19

Why is CBT more effective in the long term then drug treatment? A03

Answer 19

because it gives patients ‘tools for life’ instead of a temporary relief