weaknesses of cognitive treatments

• it requires active engagement from the patient, which can be difficult for individuals with severe depression.

  Evidence = People with severe symptoms may struggle to attend sessions or engage with the cognitive techniques. Research by Elkin et al. (1989) found that CBT was less effective for patients with severe depression compared to other treatments, such as antidepressant medication.

  Explanation suggests that those with severe symptoms may not benefit from CBT alone, as their condition may prevent them from fully participating in therapy. In contrast, antidepressants do not require
• 1. Individual Differences in Effectiveness

  • CBT may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with conditions affecting cognition and communication.
  • Research findings:
  • Less effective for individuals with learning disabilities, ASD, or schizophrenia (Kuyken et al., 2008; Jauhar et al., 2014).
  • Cognitive restructuring in CBT is difficult for those with cognitive rigidity (e.g., ASD).
  • CBT requires active participation, which some individuals may struggle with.
  • Conclusion: While effective for many, CBT may not be appropriate for individuals with complex mental health needs.
• 2. High Relapse Rates (with Counterargument)

  • CBT has high relapse rates, with many patients experiencing symptoms again after treatment.
  • Research findings:
  • 53% relapse rate within a year (Ali et al., 2017), indicating that CBT may not provide lasting effects.
  • Short-term vs. long-term effectiveness:
  • CBT helps manage symptoms but may not prevent long-term relapse.
  • Counterargument:
  • CBT may still be more effective than medication—31% relapse rate for CBT vs. 76% for antidepressants (Hollon et al., 2005).