Treatments of Depression

Question 1

what is CBT for depression

Answer 1

an example of the cognitive approach to treatment though it also includes behavioural aspects.
cognitive- challenge negative, irrational thoughts
behaviour- change behaviour so it is more effective

client and therapist work together

Question 2

CBT- beck, challenge negative thoughts

Answer 2

Aim to identify negative thoughts about the self, world, and future- negative triad
these thoughts must be challenged by the client taking an active role in their treatment

Question 3

The ‘client as scientist’ - testing beliefs

Answer 3

Clients are encouraged to test the reality of their irrational beliefs. They might be set homework e.g to record an enjoyed event.
In future sessions, if clients say that nothing makes them happy, the therapist can produce this evidence to prove that their beliefs are incorrect.

Question 4

ABCDE model

Answer 4

REBT extends the ABC model to an ABCD model

D for dispute, E for effect

Question 5

what is the empirical argument?

Answer 5

disputing whether there is evidence to support the irrational belief

Question 6

what is the logical argument?

Answer 6

disputing whether the negative though actually follows from the facts

Question 7

Behavioral activation

Answer 7

Depressed individuals tend to avoid difficult situations and isolate themselves, worsening their symptoms.
The goal of behavioral activation is to work with depressed individuals to gradually decrease their avoidance and isolation and increase their engagement in activities that have been shown to improve mood.

Question 8

strength of CBT for treating depression- effectiveness

Answer 8

March et al (2007) compared the effects of CBT with antidepressant drugs and a combination of the two in 327 depressed adolescents. After 36 weeks 81% of the CBT group, 81% of the antidepressants group, and 86% of CBT & antidepressants group were significantly improved.

Question 9

limitation of CBT - diverse clients

Answer 9

Severely depressed clients may not be able to motivate themselves to engage with the CBT.
Sturmey (2005) suggests that any form of psychotherapy is not suitable for people with learning difficulties.

Question 10

Counterpoint for limitation of CBT- diverse clients

Answer 10

Lewis and Lewis (2016) Concluded that CBT was as effective as other treatments for severe depression. Taylor et al (2008) concluded that CBT can be effective for people with learning difficulties.

Question 11

Limitation for CBT- high relapse rates

Answer 11

Ali et al (2017) assessed depression for 12 months following a course of CBT. 42% relapsed within 6 months of ending treatment and 53% within a year.