Explanaition

• Beck's cognitive theory of depression suggests that depression is a result of negative thoughts and views of the world. This can be overcome using cognitive
• Schemas


  • Depressive schemas prompt dysfunctional and pessimistic thoughts about the self, the world, and the future.
  • Likely, they develop early in childhood in response to adverse experiences, then remain dormant until stressful or negative life events activate them.
• Cognitive biases


  • errors in how we process information about ourselves.
  • This lead us to focus on negative aspects of experiences, interpret things negatively, and block positive memories.
• Beck's negative triad


  negative views about :

  • the self
  • the world
  • the future
  • all lead into a downward spiral and cause a person to think depressive thoughts.
• Limitations


  • Some types of depression occur with no activating event - reactive depression.
  • Ignores biochemical explanations for depression.
  • Not all patients are able to engage with CBT or find it useful.
• Strengths


  • It has practical applications. CBT is a successful therapy which challenges irrational beliefs.
  • Beck’s Depression Inventory and Hollon & Kendall’s Automatic Thought Questionnare (ATQ) are effective tools for diagnosing depression.