Cognitive Approach to Treating Depression

• :) RTS March

  > studied adolescents with depression - 81% of their symptoms significantly improved after CBT, 86% when combined with antidepressants

  > challenging negative/irrational thoughts can reduce symptoms, therefore, CBT is an effective treatment
• :( requires motivation and commitment

  > patients need to attend sessions over a period of time and complete homework e.g. keeping a diary

  > people with depression often lack motivation, which reduces the effectiveness of CBT

  discussion - due to this, CBT is often combined with antidepressants (drugs can reduce symptoms so client is motivated to attend sessions - explains increased percentage in March's research)
• :( high relapse rates

  > recent studies suggest that long-term outcomes of CBT are not as good as assumed

  > 439 clients assessed every month for a year following a course of CBT - 53% relapsed into depression

  > patients may need to engage in treatment more regularly, reducing the effectiveness of CBT as a long-term treatment