cognitive approach to treating depression

• What are cognitive treatments for depression based on?

  Assumption that faulty thinking makes a person vulnerable to depression.
• What does Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) involve?


  Cognitive and behavioural elements.
• What is the aim of the cognitive element in CBT?

  To identify and replace negative thoughts with positive and rational ones.
• What are the components of CBT?

  Initial assessment, goal setting, identifying negative thoughts, homework.
• What is the first step in CBT?

  Initial assessment to identify the patient's problems.
• What is the second step in CBT?

  Goal setting.
• What does CBT use to test beliefs?

  Behavioural experiments and homework.
• What are the two different strands of CBT based on?

  Beck's theory and Ellis's ABC model.
• How do Beck's and Ellis's CBT approaches differ?

  In how they identify negative and irrational thoughts.
• What is Beck's Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?

  A form of therapy that helps identify and challenge negative thoughts.
• What is Beck's negative triad?


  Negative thoughts about oneself, the world, and the future.
• What is the goal of Beck's cognitive therapy?

  To challenge and change irrational thoughts.
• How does a therapist help a patient in Beck's cognitive therapy?

  By discussing evidence for and against negative thoughts.
• What might a patient be encouraged to do in Beck's cognitive therapy?

  To test the validity of their negative thoughts through homework assignments.
• What is Ellis' Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT)?

  A therapy developed by Ellis to challenge irrational thoughts.
• What is the ABC model in REBT?

  A model that includes the components of Activating event, Beliefs, and Consequences.
• What are the additional components in Ellis' ABC model?

  D (dispute) and E (effect).
• What is the purpose of 'dispute' in REBT?

  To challenge and argue against irrational beliefs.
• How does REBT replace irrational beliefs?

  By replacing them with more effective beliefs and attitudes.
• What are the different types of dispute used in REBT?

  Logical dispute and empirical dispute.
• What did March et al. (2007) find about the effectiveness of CBT?


  CBT was as effective as antidepressants in treating depression.
• How many adolescents with depression did March et al. (2007) examine?

  327 adolescents.
• What percentage of the antidepressant group had significantly improved after 36 weeks?

  81%.
• What percentage of the CBT group had significantly improved after 36 weeks?

  81%.
• What percentage of the CBT with antidepressant group had significantly improved after 36 weeks?

  86%.
• Is CBT free on the NHS?


  Yes, but there may be waiting lists.
• How much does private CBT therapy cost per session?

  £40-100.
• Why is CBT expensive?

  Due to one-to-one care and the need for a trained therapist.
• Why might REBT be considered unethical?

  It may be seen as forcefully changing cognitions.
• Why might CBT be considered unethical?

  At what point does challenging beliefs interfere with freedom of thought?
• What is the issue with CBT and patients with severe depression?


  They may not engage with CBT or attend sessions, making it ineffective.
• What alternative treatment may be more effective for severely depressed patients?

  Antidepressants.
• What did Rosenzweig (1936) argue about the success of CBT?

  The relationship between client and therapist is crucial.
• What did Luborsky et al. (2002) find in comparison studies of different methods?


  Very little difference between different methods.