unipolar depression treatments Flashcards
what is the psychological treatment of unipolar depression
CBT
AO1 of CBT
- CBT is a talking therapy which focuses on the present
- It aims to challenge the clients maladaptive thoughts by encouraging them to examine their thoughts and feelings. Sessions are held once or twice a week treatment usually lasts for 6-12 sessions on the NHS and they tend to be 50-60 minutes long
- In the very first session you explore any major life events. This also helps the therapist to establish the clients frame of reference. They listen to their core beliefs about themselves and are taught to notice when they are thinking maladaptive thoughts
- They may use SMART targets, specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and relevant and time bound. These are reviewed each week to show the client their improvement no matter how small.
- They may use something called the downwards arrow technique. This uncovers their core beliefs to uncover the thoughts the client is encouraged to think what a situation thinks about them and they keep being asked the same statement until a conclusive statement is reached.
- The therapist can teach the client ways of banishing negative thoughts e.g. naming all their favourite bands. They may be told to keep a negative thought diary which they will examine with the client to work on unrealistic thoughts or unhelpful thoughts.
- They may often get homework when they put these tools into practice in their daily life.
- The therapist must go at the clients pace
3 strengths of CBT
+ Williams found CBM/1 combined with I CBT significantly reduced symptoms of CBT
+ CBT deals with the root of the issue which gives greater effects in the long term compared to drugs.
+ CBT is a more efficient treatment for someone with UD if they are unable to remember to take anti-depressants every day compared to CBT
3 weaknesses of CBT
- you need motivation to go to CBT and you have to fully engage which can be difficult for someone with CBT
- lengthy waiting lists
- study found CBT is not effective for people who are rigid and resistant to change.
what is the biological treatment for unipolar depression
Drug therapy
AO1 for Drug Therapy
- drug therapy is also known as antidepressants which are a very popular form of treatment.
- antidepressants are prescribed to quickly treat depression
- they work by increasing noradrenaline and serotonin in the brain and are often used in conjunction with other therapies
- anti-depressants are antagonists and increase noradrenaline and serotonin by either blocking reuptake of the chemical or preventing monoamine oxidase. in boh cases the NT is avalibe in the synapse for longer, increasing activity.
- there are a wide variety of ADs which is important as different people respond in different ways to these drugs and both in terms of effects on their symptoms and side effects.
- different people show variations in symptoms and this can influence drug choice
o Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)- usually the antidepressant that Drs first prescribe as they have fewer side effects, and they are less likely to lead to serious side effects if they are overdosed. They include fluoxetine and block the reuptake of serotonin by blocking the transporter cells.
o Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) – developed to work in a similar way to SSRIs by blocking serotonin and norepinephrine but no evidence this is more effective. May be best for safety and tolerance issues.
o Tricyclics- block the reputable of serotonin and noradrenalin so they remail in the synapse for longer and have greater effect. It is an older medication which can cause more serious side effects and they aren’t normally prescribed as a first choice, only if SSRIs aren’t effective.
o Monoamine oxidase inhibitors- may be prescribed as a last resort because they can have more serious side effects. They work by stopping the enzymes that break down the NTs in the synapse making them available for longer.
3 strengths of drug therapy
+ the WHO published a report which stated drugs are a well documented treatment that is seen as being effective for severe depression in a large number of studies
+ ADs can help boost mood so CBT can be used - which is necessary is they are too depressed to focus on making a change in their thinking
+ there is a continuous research into making ADs have less side effects and be more effective e.g. attypical anti depressants
3 weaknesses of drug therapy
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