Depression

• Ellis key assumptions

  Prejudice to situations, depression not caused directly by event and a unique set of assumptions
• Aspects of the B part of Ellis's model

  Irrational beliefs and rational beliefs
• The nature of Ellis' ABC model


  Linear event, stimulus response mechanism
• A positive element of Ellis's model is that is has positive applications to therapy as well as including a healthy cognitive process within the rational beliefs
• A negative of Ellis's theory is that it relies on depression forming from a explicit event, however it could be from chemical imbalances.
• A second negative of Ellis's ABC model is that it fails to include all aspects of depression, like hallucinations, delusions and anger
• Main assumptions of Beck's negative triad

  Cognitive bias, negative self schema
• Beck and Weissman developed the DAS (dysfunctional attitude syndrome). When PS took the questionnaire, those who were depressed scored higher and had a more negative assessment of themselves.
• Bates supports Beck's theory of negative self schemas. They presented negative statements for PS to read out and symptoms worsened.
• The 3 types of Ellis's REBT disputing

  Pragmatic, logical, empirical
• Empirical disputing involves assessing whether thoughts are consistent with reality.
• The behaviour aspect of CBT involves patients exposing themselves to things and activities they have been avoiding.
• A negative of CBT treatment is that there is overemphasis on cognitive functions. Depression could form due to social circumstances, like abuse or homelessness.
• Another negative of CBT is that it requires motivation. For patients who are deeply struggling, drug treatment may need to be used prior to CBT.
• CBT has more longevity that drugs due to the skills taught to challenge negative thoughts. However, it has been found that using a hybrid of the two is more effective.
• An issue with the cognitive approach to depression is that it doesn't provide patients with a cause of their condition. It also doesn't show cause and effect of negative thoughts.