Cognitive approach to treating depression.
Beck CBT
1. Identify irrational/ negative thought.
2. Challenge negative thought (through homework ‘client as scientist’ e.g., hypothesis
testing)
3. Cognitive restructuring (the therapist helps change the clients though process by
proving their beliefs incorrect)
Ellis REBT
- Extends the ABC model to ABCDE.
D = dispute (therapist will challenge the thoughts through empirical and logical disputing)
E = effect (attempts to have a more beneficial effect on thought and behaviour)
- Therapist identifies and disputes patient’s irrational thoughts during a vigorous
argument. Using either:
Empirical argument is there any evidence to support this irrational belief?
Logical argument is this belief helpful? Is it factual?
Behavioural activation (REBT + CBT)
- Encouraging the client to participate in activates they used to enjoy avoiding isolation
and increasing engagement.
EVALUATION (REBT + CBT)
May not work for severe cases of depression.
- Client needs to engage and put in hard work into both therapies however some patients
may have such severe depression that they cannot motivate themselves to engage.
- An alternative approach is to treat the patient with antidepressants then move onto
REBT or CBT.
- Cognitive work involved makes it unsuitable for treating depression in ppl with learning
disabilities
- Sturmey any form of psychotherapy is not suitable for people with learning
disabilities
- They cannot be used as the sole treatment in all cases of depression only a specific
range of people
However
- Lewis and Lewis concluded CBT was as effective as antidepressant drugs and
behavioural therapies for severe depression
Beck CBT
1. Identify irrational/ negative thought.
2. Challenge negative thought (through homework ‘client as scientist’ e.g., hypothesis
testing)
3. Cognitive restructuring (the therapist helps change the clients though process by
proving their beliefs incorrect)
Ellis REBT
- Extends the ABC model to ABCDE.
D = dispute (therapist will challenge the thoughts through empirical and logical disputing)
E = effect (attempts to have a more beneficial effect on thought and behaviour)
- Therapist identifies and disputes patient’s irrational thoughts during a vigorous
argument. Using either:
Empirical argument is there any evidence to support this irrational belief?
Logical argument is this belief helpful? Is it factual?
Behavioural activation (REBT + CBT)
- Encouraging the client to participate in activates they used to enjoy avoiding isolation
and increasing engagement.
EVALUATION (REBT + CBT)
May not work for severe cases of depression.
- Client needs to engage and put in hard work into both therapies however some patients
may have such severe depression that they cannot motivate themselves to engage.
- An alternative approach is to treat the patient with antidepressants then move onto
REBT or CBT.
- Cognitive work involved makes it unsuitable for treating depression in ppl with learning
disabilities
- Sturmey any form of psychotherapy is not suitable for people with learning
disabilities
- They cannot be used as the sole treatment in all cases of depression only a specific
range of people
However
- Lewis and Lewis concluded CBT was as effective as antidepressant drugs and
behavioural therapies for severe depression
