The cognitive approach to treating depression Flashcards
What is cognitive behaviour therapy?
A method for treating mental disorders based on cognitive and behavioural techniques.
What are the evaluations for CBT?
CBT may not work for severe cases and clients with disabilities.
(counterpoint) However recent research challenges this.
supporting research evidence
High relapse rate
Evaluation: supporting research evidence
Strength: Supporting research evidence
A study by March et al. (2007) - 81% of the CBT group, 81% of the antidepressants group, and 85% of the CBT plus antidepressants group were significantly improved after 36 weeks.
CBT is also cost-effective and typically requires 6-12 sessions, making it a top choice in public healthcare systems.
Widely used such as in NHS.
Evaluation: High relapse rate
Limitation: High relapse rate.
While early studies did not examine the long-term effectiveness of CBT,
Recent research - benefits may not be sustained for as long as initially believed.
For instance, study by Ali et al. (2017) - 42% of 439 clients relapsed within six months of completing CBT,
with 53% relapsing within a year.
This highlights the need for periodic repetition of CBT to maintain its effectiveness.
Evaluation: CBT may not work for severe cases and clients with disabilities.
Limitation CBT may not work for severe cases and clients with learning disabilities.
Severely depressed clients, engaging in the cognitive work of CBT may be difficult or impossible,
as they may not be able to focus or pay attention during sessions.
Clients with learning disabilities may also find CBT unsuitable,
as psychotherapy in general may not be appropriate for this population, according to Sturmey
CBT may only be appropiate for a specific range of people.
Describe Ellis’s rational emotive behaviour therapy.
Irrational thoughts arise from people’s view of things.
Clients identify emotionally damaging beliefs, such as ‘I MST BE LOVED’ or ‘I must be excellent’.
The therapist challenges these beliefs.
Clients practise positive thinking, engage in behavioural activiation, scheduling and set goals to boost self esteem.
Describe Beck’s cognitive therapy.
Identify automatic thoughts related to the negative triad that drives the depression.
Therapist challenges thoughts.
Therapist sets homework such as recording enjoyable moments of the day in a diary.
Behavioural activation.
Leads to more rational view of life.
Evaluation: (counterpoint) However recent research challenges this.
(counterpoint - STRENGTH) However recent research challenges this.
Lewis and Lewis’s (2016) review found that CBT is as effective as antidepressant drugs and behavioral therapies in treating severe depression.
Additionally, John Taylor et al. (2008) concluded that CBT can be effective for individuals with learning disabilities when used appropriately.
CBT suitable for a wide range of people
