Treatment

• What is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)?

  Aims to identify and challenge the irrational beliefs that cause depression so behaviour changes
• What did Ellis' add onto the ABC model as a CBT technique?

  • Dispute - challenging the irrational beliefs and thoughts
  • Exchange - Exchanging old beliefs and thoughts for new, rational and balanced ones
• How does a therapist dispute irrational beliefs?

  • Asking the patient to examine if the belief really makes sense
  • Asking if they can prove it
  • Emphasising the belief is not helpful
• What is the "client as the scientist"?

  The patients are often given homework to test the reality of their belief
• What is behavioural activation?

  Working with depressed individuals to gradually decrease their avoidance and isolation of activities
• Strength of CBT:

  • Evidence for Effectiveness
  • CBT is as effective as antidepressants, most effective if combined (81% Vs 86% March et al)
• Limitation of CBT:

  • Suitability for diverse clients
  • May not be suitable for severe cases of depression or for people with learning disabilities.

  COUNTERPOINT:

  • Newer evidence suggests CBT is as effective as drugs or behavioural therapies (Lewis and Lewis) and okay for learning disabilities (Taylor et al)
• Limitation of CBT:

  • Short relapse rates
  • 42% relapsed after 6 months and 53% within a year (Ali et all) may need regular repeating.
• Strength/Limitation of CBT:

  • Client preferences
  • Strength - CBT is effective, at least in the short term
  • limitation - Some clients prefer to take medication