PSYCHOPATHOLOGY - cognitive approach to treating depression

what is Cognitve Behavioural Therapy -CBT-

this is a therapeutic method used to treat mental disorders on both cognitive and emotional techniques

the cognitive side includes identifying negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to depression.

the behavioural side includes techniques that can be used to tackle these negative thoughts and therefore battle their depression

becks cognitive therapy

starts with identifying the thoughts of the client about the world future and self and once these are found than the therapy works to challenge and change these thoughts directly shifting away from irrationality

Ellis’ ABCDE model

this is the same as the ABC model however the to extra parts

1. D - dispute , which challenges the irrational thoughts directly

2. E- effect , which examines the consequence of challenging these irrational beliefs

REBT - Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy

this is another method used by Ellis to tackle depression by ;

identifying and disputing irrational beliefs, focusing on changing negative thought patterns, and promoting rational thinking.

therefore the ABCDE Model would be considered a type of REBT

strength of CBT

large supporting evidence for its effectiveness

many studies show that CBT works for example ;

March compared CBT to antidepressant drugs and its effectiveness on 327 depressed adolescents and found that after 36 weeks 81% of the CBT group 81% of the antidepressant drug group and 86% of the group with both treatments combined were significantly improved

CBT is more cost effective and has around the same effectiveness as medication as shown with march et al , making it a preferred treatment option for many.

limitations of CBT

lacks effectiveness with those who have learning disabilities

and some may be so severe that they cannot motivate themselves to pay attention or engage with the CBT

relapse rates ;

Ali followed up with 439 CBT patients every month for a year and found that 42% relapsed into depression and 53 relapsed within a year.

meaning CBT must be repeated periodically