The cognitive approach to treating depression

Subdecks (2)

Cards (27)

  • Cognitive behaviour therapy is the most commonly used treatment for depression
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy includes cognitive and behavioural elements
  • Cognitive element to CBT
    Beginning with an assessment, the client and therapist work together to clarify the client's problems. They jointly identify goals and put together a plan to achieve them. One of the central tasks is to identify negative or irrational thoughts that will benefit from challenge
  • Behavioural element to CBT
    Working to change negative and irrational thoughts and put more effective behaviours into place
  • Strength: CBT
    What? Evidence for effectiveness
    Who? March - compared CBT to antidepressants; effective on its own and combined w/ antidepressants + cost effective
    Why? First choice of treatment in NHS
  • Limitation: CBT
    What? Lack of effectiveness for severe cases/learning disabilities
    Who? Depression so severe = no motivation to engage w/ CBT + unsuitable for those w/ learning disabilities (Sturmey)
    Why? Only suitable for few
  • Counterpoint to a limitation: Lack of effectiveness - CBT
    What? New evidence
    Who? Lewis - CBT effective for severe depression + Taylor - CBT effective for people w/ learning disabilities
    Why? Suitable for a range of people
  • Limitation: CBT
    What? High relapse rates
    Who? Shehzad's study - 42% clients relapsed within 6 months, 53% in a year
    Why? CBT may need to be repeated periodically