depression

• What is depression?


  A mental disorder characterised by low mood and energy levels
• What is required for a diagnosis of depression according to DSM-5?


  Sufferers must display at least five symptoms every day for at least two weeks
• What are some behavioral characteristics of depression?

  Disturbance in sleep pattern, self-harm, and disturbance to eating behavior
• What are some emotional characteristics of depression?


  Emotional characteristics include lowered self-esteem, lowered mood, and lack of interest
• How do cognitive characteristics manifest in individuals with depression?

  Individuals process information about the world differently, EG poor concentration(slow in making decisions) and dwelling on the negatives(recall unhappy events)
• What are the key cognitive theories explaining depression?


  • Beck's cognitive theory of depression
  • Ellis's Irrational thinking (ABC Model)
• What does Beck's cognitive theory suggest about depression vulnerability?


  It suggests that cognitive distortions lead to increased vulnerability to depression
• What are the three parts of cognitive vulnerability according to Beck?

  Faulty information processing, negative self-schemas, negative triad
• What is the Negative Triad in Beck's theory?


  • Negative view of the self
  • Negative view of the world
  • Negative view of the future
• How do negative views in the Negative Triad affect individuals with depression?


  They lead to a pessimistic interpretation of experiences and enhance feelings of hopelessness
• What is a self-schema?


  A self-schema is a package of ideas we have about ourselves and the world around us EG self-blame schema(feel responsible for any misfortunes)
• How does faulty information processing manifest in depressed individuals?


  Depressed individuals focus on negative aspects of situations which distort information (cognitive bias)
• What is overgeneralization in cognitive bias?


  Making sweeping conclusions based on a single incident, catastrophising - exaggerating minor setback & believe it as a disaster
• What is catastrophizing in cognitive bias?


  Exaggerating a minor setback and believing it is a complete disaster
• What evidence supports Beck's cognitive theory of depression?


  • Research shows depression is linked to faulty information processing
  • Grazioli and Terry (2000) found women with high cognitive vulnerability more likely to suffer post-natal depression
  • Clark and Beck (1999) suggests cognitive vulnerability can be seen before depression develops
• How does Beck's cognitive theory relate to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)?


  CBT identifies and challenges cognitive aspects of depression, including the negative triad
• What is a limitation of Beck's cognitive theory of depression?


  It does not explain all aspects of depression, such as hallucinations in some sufferers
• What is Ellis's ABC Model?

  • A: Activating Event
  • B: Beliefs
  • C: Consequences
• What does the 'A' in Ellis's ABC Model represent?

  'A' represents the Activating Event that triggers irrational thoughts EG a breakup
• What does the 'B' in Ellis's ABC Model represent?

  'B' represents your Beliefs and interpretation of the activating event. Can be rational (breakup incompatible) or irrational (no one will love you)
• What does the 'C' in Ellis's ABC Model represent?


  'C' represents the Consequences. The activating event triggers irrational beliefs, emotional & behavioural consequences. EG (i wont ever let sum1 get close to me again)
• What is a limitation of Ellis's ABC Model?


  • It only partially explains depression
  • Not all depression arises from an obvious activating event
  • Alternative explanations suggest biological causes
• What did McGuffin et al (1996) find regarding depression in twins?


  If one identical twin has depression, there is a 46% chance the other twin will also have it
• Why is the finding of McGuffin et al (1996) significant?


  It suggests a genetic component to depression due to the higher concordance rate in identical twins
• How has Ellis's explanation contributed to therapy?

  • Led to successful therapeutic approaches
  • Helps individuals challenge irrational beliefs
  • Provides a framework for understanding emotional responses
• What type of depression is associated with an activating event according to Ellis's model?

  Reactive depression is associated with an activating event.
• What alternative explanation exists for depression beyond Ellis's model?

  Depression can also be caused by biological factors, such as genes and neurotransmitters.
• What is the chance of non-identical twins both having depression according to McGuffin et al (1996)?

  There is a 20% chance that a non-identical twin will also have depression.
• How has Ellis's ABC model contributed to therapy for depression?

  Ellis's ABC model has led to successful therapies like CBT that challenge irrational negative beliefs.
• What did Lipsky et al (1980) find regarding challenging irrational beliefs?


  Challenging irrational negative beliefs can reduce depression more effectively than relaxation training.
• What is the practical application of CBT for patients with depression?

  CBT can be confidently offered as a standard treatment for patients suffering from depression.
• How does attachment relate to depression according to Ellis's and Beck's theories?

  Insecure attachment in infants can lead to a higher vulnerability to depression in adulthood.
• What did Ainsworth's Strange Situation study reveal about attachment and depression?

  Children with insecure attachment had caregivers who were emotionally unavailable or unresponsive.
• What cognitive vulnerability is discussed by Beck in relation to insecure attachment?

  Insecure attachment can lead to the development of a negative self-schema.
• What is the cognitive triad in Beck's Cognitive Theory?

  The cognitive triad consists of negative thoughts about the self, the world, and the future.
• What is the purpose of homework in CBT?

  Putting more effective behaviours in place EG record when sum1 was nice to them
• What does Ellis's REBT add to the ABC model?

  REBT extends the ABC model to include D (Dispute) and E (Effect).
• What types of disputes are used in REBT?

  Logical and empirical disputes are used to challenge irrational beliefs.
• What is the role of behavioral activation in CBT?

  Behavioral activation encourages patients to engage in enjoyable activities.
• What did March et al (2007) find regarding CBT's effectiveness?


  CBT was found to be as effective as medication for treating depression.