The Cognitive Treatment for Depression (Clinical Psychology) Flashcards
What is the Cognitive Treatment for Depression?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
What is CBT for Depression designed for?
CBT is the first line psychological treatment for depression and anxiety disorders, especially for those with mild to moderate symptoms Designed to achieve quick+lasting results with treatment
What is CBT as a therapy for depression?
CBT for depression consists of weekly/fortnightly sessions lasting about an hour for a period of about three months (depending on the nature of the depression) CBT is an active and directive therapy, first developed by Beck in 1967.
What does CBT for Depression focus on, and aim to do?
CBT focuses on the here and now of the clients life. Consistent with the cognitive theory, it aims to challenge the irrational beliefs that may be at the root of the depression. It combines aspects of behavioural therapy with cognitive restructuring + problem-solving. The therapist helps the client recognise faulty cognition that the client uses to process information about the world, and encourages them to challenge these cognitions
What are the ways that CBT for Depression can be Delivered?
One-to-One Therapy Group therapy Computerised therapy (iCBT)
What does the Course of Treatment look like, regarding CBT for Depression?
Typically the course of treatment will start with an education phase, where the client learns about the relationships between thoughts emotions and actions. They can be taught techniques, such as ‘thought catching’, where they analyse events have happened, and map the emotional response that follows the thought that was associated with this event. This then allows the therapist to help the client to challenge the thoughts triggered by the event. Clients are encouraged to keep a daily mood diary and to do exercises (homework) outside the sessions, and then reflect + report back on their effectiveness
What is an Example of how CBT for Depression may work?
For example, the activating event might be a chance encounter in the street with an acquaintance who does not respond to your greeting and keeps on walking. The negative thought that follows could be that you are unlikeable and that the person deliberately snubbed you; this triggers an emotional response of sadness and unworthiness, which then goes on to cause you to withdraw from other social situations. The therapist would help you to identify these irrational thoughts (thought catching) and explore more rational explanations, thus disputing the negative belief that leads to the depressive behaviour
What is the Behavioural Aspect of CBT for Depression?
The behavioural aspects of the therapy comes through hypothesis testing using a behavioural action plan. The client is set to do work outside therapy that is aimed at changing the experiences they are having, and therefore challenging the negative beliefs about themselves. For example, the therapist may set a task to socialise with someone, and, hopefully, a positive experience would boost their self-esteem. Therapists only set tasks that the client can engage with successfully, because failure at a task would be a major setback that would deflate self-esteem
What Research evidence supports CBT for Depression?
Otto et al: Undertook a recent large-scale study, and found that CBT was a good add-on for people not responding to drugs. 55% improved in CBT and drugs, whereas 31% improved with drugs alone
What are the other strengths of CBT for Depression?
CBT has been tested empirically and shown to be effective, it is widely recommended (e.g. by NICE) There are no side-effects, so it is more ethical for patients as well as being effective
What Research evidence challenges CBT for Depression?
Elkin (1989): Found that CBT is less effective than active drug treatments with clinical management
What are the other weaknesses of using CBT for Depression?
Does not explore issues from the past that might have influenced onset of depression but just changes thinking – some say CBT is therefore to simplistic and superficial for depression caused by complex issues Psychoanalytic techniques might be better investigating the root cause of depression in those with complex and traumatic histories that have contributed to that disorder
