Depression

What does the cognitive approach to depression suggest

Depression may be the result of faulty thinking

The two cognitive models of depression

• Beck’s negative triad

• Albert Ellis’ ABC model

Beck’s Negative Triad

• Negative view of the self

• Negative view of the world

• Negative view of the future

Negative schema

Negative packets of information which may have formed due to childhood trauma

Schema

Packets of information about how the world works

Albert Ellis

ABC Model

Beck

Negative Triad

ABC Model

Cognitive approach to depression

1. Activating event

2. Beliefs

3. Consequences

CBT

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Reactive depression

A type of depression caused by a specific external event, and its symptoms are closely linked to that stressful event

Endogenous depression

A type of depression thought to results from internal biological or genetic factors rather than eternal stressors. There is no obvious activating event

Monoamines

Serotonin

Dopamine

Noradrenaline

3 arguments used in CBT

1. Logical argument

2. Empirical argument

3. Pragmatic argument

These are used to identify and distribute irrational thoughts in CBT

Methods used in CBT

• Therapeutic alliance

• Establishing a time line

• Mirroring/reflecting

• The 3 argument types

• Homework

• Behavioural activation

Role of Homework

Client is given a task which will help the client objectively assess the validity of their irrational beliefs, just like a scientist. The homework can then be used by the therapist as evidence against the clients’ irrational thoughts

Role of behavioural activation

Client is encouraged to go out and continue doing the things they love. the more the client goes out, the more opportunities for positive events. This can be used by the therapist as evidence against irrational thoughts

Serotonin

• Controls mood, sleep, appetite, and emotion

• Low levels of this is linked to low mood, irritability, irregular eating patterns, an negative thinking patterns

• Controls other neurotransmitters

Noradrenaline(Norepinephrine)

• Involved in alertness, energy, attention, as well as the body’s stress response (“fight or flight”)

• low levels of this linked to fatigue, lack of concentration, sluggishness or demotivation.

Dopamine

• Controls motivation, reward, and pleasure

• Low levels of this is linked to anhedonia(inability to feel pleasure), and the loss of motivation

Antidepressants

Biological drg therapies that alter the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain to improve mood and reduce depressive symptoms