treating depression - cognitive approach Flashcards
What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
CBT as a treatment for depression
ABC Model to ABC-DEF:
D: disputing irrational thoughts/beliefs - the beliefs can lack logic, empirical (accuracy), pragmatic (lack of usefulness)
E: effects of disputing/effective attitude to life
F: feelings and emotions produced
It is not the activating event that causes the depressive consequence in the ABC model, it is the irrational belief. CBT focuses on changing the irrational beliefs into rational ones.
What are some of the methods used in CBT?
- homework tasks/assignments e.g asking someone out to get over the fear of rejection - this tests the irrational beliefs and puts new beliefs into reality
- behavioural activation - encouragement to do pleasureful activities, activity = reward = antidote to depression
- unconditional positive regard - convincing them of their value. worthlessness = no effort or motivation to challenge irrational beliefs, so unconditional respect + value may cause change
Evaluation of CBT as a cognitive approach to treating depression
(+) Ellis claimed a 90% success rate of CBT if carried out thoroughly and properly - research support.
(-) individual differences matter e.g people who have higher levels of irrational beliefs and may be more resistant to change them
(-) there are alternative treatments such as the use of SSRI’s which require less time -CBT requires roughly 27 sessions- and so may be more suitable for those in need of a quick fix
