evaluating CBT

• 1. strength is that there is evidence from research to show that it is effective
• 1. butler et al conducted a large scale investigation into the effectiveness using CBT as a treatment for patients with depression
• 1. they reviewed three meta-analyses regarding the use of group and individual CBT as treatment for depression. concluded that both CBT appears to be effective
• 1. strength because large body of evidence to suggest it is highly effective
• 2. strength that it does not have the same unwanted side effects as anti-depressants
• 2. suggests that it may be better option than drug therapy as encourages patients to continue with therapy and may be considered more ethical
• 2. not generally offered on the NHS
• 2. means most patients with depression have no choice but to use medication if they want to actively treat symptoms
• 3. limitation is whether it addresses the cause or symptoms of depression
• 3. can be questioned whether negative thoughts lead to depression, or if the depression leads to the negative thoughts
• 3. a prospective study found there was no relationship between negative thoughts, irrational beliefs and future depression
• 3. means that changing the negative thinking, you will not be treating root cause of depression, only symptoms
• 4. limitation is appropriatness
• 4. may not be appropriate for all
• 4. appears to be less suitable for those with high levels of irrational beliefs
• 4. weakness as it suggests the therapy doesn’t take into account individual differences