depression - treat

• what are the 2 treatment options for depression?

  1. cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
  2. rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT)
• what does CBT do?

  identifies irrational thoughts and changes them into rational ones
• outline the process of CBT

  • cognitive - identify and challenge irrational thoughts
  • behavioural - coping strategies develop to change behaviour
• what does REBT do?

  resolve behavioural problems by disputing irrational thoughts
• what are the 3 techniques used in REBT?

  1. logical - self-defeating beliefs that aren't logical from information available
  2. empirical - self-defeating beliefs that aren't consistent with reality
  3. pragmatic - emphasise lack of usefulness of self-defeating beliefs
• outline what homework is and the benefits

  clients asked to complete assignments or complete a diary

  • tests irrational beliefs against reality
  • put rational beliefs into practice
• outline what behavioural activation is and the benefits

  encourage client to become active and engage in pleasurable activities

  • deal with cognitive obstacles
• outline what unconditional positive regard is and the benefits

  convince the client of their value as a human being

  • provide respect and appreciation
  • facilitate a change in belief and attitudes
• one strength of cognitive treatments for depression

  research support

  • 81% beneficial with CBT, 81% benefited with medication and 86% with both
  • most effective when combined with medication
  • effective at improving symptoms
• one weakness of cognitive treatments for depression

  simplified

  • overlooks circumstances of the client
  • Simons - CBT isn't suitable for those in highly stressful situations
  • lacks appropriateness
• second weakness of cognitive treatments for depression

  reliant on clients

  • client lacks motivation to engage with hard cognitive work
  • requires 27 sessions
  • place precautions beforehand
• third weakness of cognitive treatments for depression

  undermining research

  • Babyak - tested 156 adults with major depressive disorder
  • exercise had lower relapse rates compared to drug treatment
  • ineffective treatment