The cognitive approach to treating depression -A-Level Psychology
CBT
A combination of cognitive therapy(a way of changing thoughts and beliefs) and behavioural therapy (a way of changing behaviour in response to these thoughts and beliefs)
Challenging irrational thoughts:
Ellis extended his ABC model to ABCDEF.
D-disputing irrational thoughts and beliefs
E-effects of disputing and effective attitude to life
F-new feelings that are produced
The key issue to remember is that it is not the activating events that cause unproductive consequences; it is beliefs that lead to the self-defeating consequences.
REBT therefore focuses on challenging these beliefs and replacing them with effective and rational beliefs.
Logical disputing-self-defeating beliefs do not follow logically from the information available
Empirical disputing-self defeating beliefs may not be consistent with reality
Pragmatic disputing-emphasises the lack of usefulness of self-defeating beliefs
Homework:
Clients are asked to complete tasks between sessions e.g looking for a job.Such homework is vital in testing irrational beliefs and replacing them with new rational beliefs.
Behavioural activation:
CBT involves encouraging clients to become more active and engage in activities e.g sports.
Unconditional positive regard:
Ellis came to recognise that an important ingredient in successful therapy was convincing the client of their value as a human being.
Evaluation:
Research support-Ellis claimed a 90% success rate for REBT.March et al compared the effects of CBT with antidepressant drugs and a combination of the two.The CBT emerged as just as effective as medication as well as alongside medication.
Individual differences-it is less suitable for those clients who have high irrational beliefs that are resistant to change.It also may not work for the most severe cases as the patients can’t motivate themselves to engage with the hard cognitive work of CBT.
Alternative treatments-the most popular treatment for depression is antidepressants and drugs require less effort from patients
Support for behavioural activation-Babyak et al (2000) studied 156 depressed clients and they were split into aerobic exercise,drug treatment and both.Those in the exercise group had lower relapse rates.
The cognitive approach to treating depression is a type of therapy that focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns that contribute to depressive symptoms. The goal is to help individuals develop more positive and realistic ways of thinking, leading to improved mental health and well-being.
Cognitive therapy for depression typically involves several stages, including identifying negative thought patterns, challenging them, and replacing them with more positive and realistic ones. This may involve techniques such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and problem-solving strategies.
Yes, research has shown that cognitive therapy is an effective treatment for depression, especially when used in combination with other therapies or medications. Studies have found that cognitive therapy can lead to significant reductions in depressive symptoms and improved overall functioning.
The length of cognitive therapy for depression can vary depending on the individual and the severity of their symptoms. However, most therapy sessions last around 50 minutes and typically involve weekly or biweekly sessions over several months.
Some potential benefits of cognitive therapy for depression include improved mood and overall mental health, increased self-awareness and self-esteem, and better coping skills for dealing with future stressors or life events.
Yes, cognitive therapy for depression is available to anyone who is struggling with depressive symptoms and is willing to participate in therapy. However, it is important to seek guidance from a qualified mental health professional to determine if cognitive therapy is the right treatment approach for your individual needs.
Cognitive therapy for depression is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. However, some individuals may experience temporary increases in depressive symptoms during therapy, and it is important to discuss any concerns or side effects with your therapist.
You can start by talking to your primary care physician or seeking a referral from a mental health clinic or hospital. You can also search for qualified therapists in your area using online directories or professional organizations, such as the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT).
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