Cognitive treatment of depression

What is the aim of Beck’s CBT?

to identify and challenge negative irrational thoughts and replace them with more realistic, rational thoughts

How does the therapist and client work together in Beck’s CBT?

they work together to challenge the thoughts in the triad

What does CBT begin with?

an assessment - therapist and client identify problems and negative thought patterns

What is behavioural activation?

encouraging the patient to become more active and engage in enjoyable activities to improve mood

What is homework in CBT?

tasks set between sessions (e.g keeping a diary of positive events) to test irrational beliefs by providing evidence to disprove these beliefs

How long does CBT typically last?

5-20 sessions (30-60 minutes, often weekly or fortnightly)

How can CBT be delivered?

face-to-face, via video call, or sometimes over the phone

What is the key technique in Ellis’ REBT?

disputing irrational thoughts

How do therapists dispute thoughts in REBT?

• empirical arguments - is there evidence?

• logical arguments

How is REBT different from CBT?

REBT is more confrontational and direct - in CBT patient may talk about how unlucky they are and therapist counters this with vigorous argument

What are some of the similarities between CBT and REBT?

• both 5-20 sessions with 30-60 mins each

• can be delivered in diff ways e.g face-to-face

• involves behavioural activation

• beings with assessment

• aims to identify and replace negative irrational thoughts

How is the fact that CBT is not suitable for all patients, specifically one with severe symptoms a weakness?

because it means CBT is not accessible for all patients reducing its overall effectiveness

Give an example of this weakness

for example, common symptoms of depression include extreme fatigue, social withdrawal and poor concentration. It is likely that the vigorous cognitive work involved in CBT makes it unsuitable for people with extreme versions of these symptoms. Some people with depressions struggle to get out of bed or brush their hair, let along go to CBT once a week for several weeks

How is the fact that cognitive behavioural therapy has supporting research a strength?

because it shows CBT is supported by scientific research, increasing its credibility and effectiveness

How is the fact that CBT is not a permanent and long-lasting solution a weakness?

because it suggests that CBT only addresses symptoms temporarily rather than underlying causes, limiting its long-term effectiveness in treating depression

Give an example of this weakness

for example, Alit et al assessed depression severity in 439 clients every month for 12 months after finishing a course of CBT. Unfortunately, 53% of the patients relapsed into depression within a year

How is the fact that CBT and REBT takes a lot of time and resources a limitation?

because the time, commitment and cost limits its availability and effectiveness as a widespread treatment

Give an example of this limitation

for instance, treating depression using CBT can be a lengthy process. It might rake anywhere between 5-20 sessions which each last 30-60 minutes