cognitive explanations for treating depression

• CBT - cognitive behavioural therapy, once a week or every 2 weeks, 5-20 sessions, 30-60 minutes each. Homework given between sessions, encourages clients to engage in pleasurable activities that they used to enjoy.
• methods of disputing: empirical argument - whether actual evidence for belief. logical argument - whether negative thought logically follows from the facts
• REBT - Ellis' rational behavioural therapy. type of CBT that aims to turn irrational thoughts into rational thoughts and resolve emotional and behavioural problems. expanded to ABCDEF - D - disputing irrational thoughts and beliefs, E - effects of disputing and effective attitude to life, F - new feelings produced
• • alternative treatments available, most popular treatment antidepressant SSRI, requires less effort and time.
• • lack of effectiveness for severe cases and learning disabilities. depression may be so severe that the clients can't engage with CBT and pay attention in sessions. also complex thinking in CBT makes it unsuitable for clients with learning disabilities.
• • individual differences, people have to be willing to open up
• • high relapse rates, Ali et al assessed depression for 12 months following a course of CBT. Found 42% relapsed within 6 months, 53% within a year. CBT may need to be repeated periodically.