treating depression

• What does CBT aim to do?

  • assessment to clarify patients problems
  • Identify negative or irrational thoughts that will be challenged.
  • Change negative thoughts to put more effective behaviours in place.
• what is the aim of becks cognitive therapy?

  identity automatic thoughts about the world, self and future -> the negative triad
• how does becks cognitive therapy work?

  • identify automatic thoughts (negative triad)
  • challenge these thoughts
  • test the reality of their negative beliefs
• Give an example of a patient being tested on the reality of their thoughts in becks cognitive therapy?

  • patient asked to write down when people were nice to them.
  • patient - > ”no one is nice to me.”
  • therapist -> ”well that’s not true-remember your journal.”
  • the therapist produces evidence and proves patients statement wrong.
• what is meany by the patient as a scientist?

  they are investigating the reality of their negative thoughts like a scientist does
• What does Ellis’ REBT extend the ABC model to?

  ABCDE

  • D- dispute
  • E- effect
• what is the main goal of Ellis’ REBT?

  identify and dispute irrational thoughts
• why does the therapist used vigorous arguments in REBT?

  • change irrational beliefs
  • break the link between negative events and depression
• what are the 2 different arguments in REBT?

  • empirical argument
  • logical argument
• what is empirical argument?

  disputing whether there is actual evidence to support the negative belief
• what is a logical argument?

  disputing whether the negative thought logically follows from the facts
• explain behavioural activation?

  • encourage a depressed person to be more active and engage in enjoyable activities
  • provides more evidence for the irrational nature of beliefs
• Evaluate it is effective as a strength?

  • March et al 2007
  • Compared effects of CBT with antidepressant drugs
  • 327 adolescents with depression
  • 81% of CBT group improved
  • 81% of antidepressant group improved
  • 86% of antidepressant and CBT improved
  • CBt is just as useful as medication and even more alongside it
• evaluate may not work for most severe cases as a limitation

  • some may not engage as they find it hard to motivate themselves.
  • may not be able to pay attention - can be given antidepressants to ensure they’re alert and motivated.
  • CBT cannot be used as a sole treatment for all cases of depression
• evaluate success may be due to the therapist-patient relationship as a limitation

  • rosenzweig 1936
  • therapist-patient relationship is essential in all psychotherapy.
  • it may be the quality of this relationship which determines success.
  • luborksy et al 2002 - > an opportunity to talk to someone who will listen could be what matters most
• How would findings of psychological research into treatment of depression affect the economy?

  • Findings may lead to improvement in treatment.
  • People may manage their health better.
  • Take less time off work.
  • Reduce costs to the economy.