evaluations

• cognitive theories for depression have resulted in highly used practises such as CBT which can be accessed via the NHS,
• family studies and genetic research suggests a predisposition to depression is inherited, likely genes that influence the activity of neurochemicals like serotonin in the brain; also, the effectiveness of drug treatments like SSRIs suggest the cognitive explanation is not complete, and there there is a biological aspect to depression
• becks CBT- patient as a scientist- the patient generates and tests hypotheses about the validity of their irrational thoughts; when they realise their thoughts do not match reality, this will change their schemas, and the irrational thoughts can be discarded, thought catching- identifying irrational thoughts coming from the negative triad of schemas
• becks CBT continued- homework tasks such as including keeping a diary, which is used to record negative thoughts and identify situations that cause negative thinking, behavioural activation- taking part in activities that the sufferer used to enjoy
• some people with depression may be too severely depressed to take part in the demands of cognitive behavioural therapy, eg incomplete homework