Psychopathology: The cognitive approach for treating depression Flashcards
What is CBT?
A combination of cognitive therapy (changing maladaptive thoughts and beliefs) and behavioural therapy (changing behaviour in response to these thoughts and beliefs).
What are irrational thoughts?
Patterns of thinking that are illogical, distort reality and prevent an individual from reaching their goals. They also lead to unhealthy/ negative thoughts and self-defeating behaviour.
What are the 4 stages/principles of CBT?
1) Disputing/ challenging irrational thoughts
2) Homework
3) Behavioural activation
4) Unconditional positive regard
What are the further developments of the ABC model?
To include D (dispute) and E (effect or effective). The main idea is to challenge irrational thoughts —> therapists will dispute the patients irrational beliefs to replace them with effective beliefs/ attitudes.
What are the 3 types of disputing?
1) Logical disputing - do the irrational thoughts make sense?
2) Empirical disputing – is their evidence for the irrational thoughts to be true?
3) Pragmatic disputing – do the irrational beliefs help the client?
What is the aim of disputing?
The aim of disputing is to help the client to have less catastrophic and more rational thoughts and interpretations of events which may help them feel more self-accepting.
What is the role of homework in treating depression?
Clients are given assignments during sessions such as looking for a job or asking someone on a date when they’ve previously feared to do so due to a fear of rejection etc. Looks to test irrational beliefs against reality by putting rational beliefs into practice.
What is behavioural activation?
Based on the idea that one way to combat low mood is to increase activity level, especially in pleasurable activity. This counters specific symptoms and produces feelings that may act as an ‘antidote’ to depression.
What is unconditional positive regard?
Involves convincing the client of their value as a human being —> therapists will provide respect and appreciation regardless of the client which helps convince the client of their value as a human. This ultimately facilitates a change in beliefs and attitudes.
What are the 4 AO3 points the cognitive approach to treating depression
+CBT is effective as shown by further research conducted by Ellis?
+Supporting evidence for behavioural activation
+/-Takes into account individual differences
-Alternative treatments
(+AO3) How was CBT shown to be effective?
Ellis claimed that CBT is 90% effective and takes an average of 27 sessions to complete the treatment. He suggests that if it doesn’t work it’s because the client didn’t put their revised beliefs into action rather than because the therapy is ineffective. Although this could be the grounds of potential bias a review of 75 studies has found that CBT is superior to every treatment.
(+AO3) What is the supporting evidence for behavioural activation?
A further study involving major depressive disorder in adults. Participants were split into 3 groups: physical exercise, drug treatment or both. All groups experienced significant improvement however, the exercise group had lower relapse rates than the drug group this showing the effectiveness of behavioural activation in CBT.
(+/-AO3) Why is the cognitive approach to treating depression taking into account individual differences both a strength and a weakness?
CBT is more effective for some individuals than others as it relies on the willingness of the participant which is important. Some individuals may have rational thoughts that lead to stress and depression whilst other individuals may have extremely rigid irrational thoughts and and will have a lower success rate using CBT. Therefore highlighting the needs for differing methods such as medication to be used in certain individuals to combat depression.
(-AO3) What are the alternative treatments?
