Treatments for Depression 16 marks
The cognitive approach to treating depression suggest that depression needs to be treated
via cognitive restructuring. Beck’s CBT aims to do this by challenging irrational thinking and
providing rational alternatives. Firstly, the patient is asked to identify these negative
irrational thoughts (this is known as thought catching) and the therapist might ask why they
feel this way. He therapist will then challenge the patient to collect empirical evidence to
prove this thought false, perhaps setting homework for the patient to write down every nice
thing someone says (this is known as having the patient as the scientist). Ultimately, after a
few sessions the patients will start to understand the irrationality of their thoughts and
move toward a more positive though process. Ellis offers an alternative therapy based on
the same cognitive principles known as Rational emotive behavioural therapy or REBT. This
therapy tackles irrational thinking by challenging these directly through empirical or logical
arguments, this involves the therapist engaging argumentally with the patient. This can also
involve the therapist setting some shame attacking exercises to help show the patient the
fundamental lack of reality in their thought processing.
One strength of CBT in treating depression is that there is evidence demonstrating that it is
effective. March et al found that CBT was 81% effective in treating depression, showing that
CBT des help may individuals who may be struggling. However, March et al also found that
antidepressants were also 81% effective and that a combination of both was most effective
at 86%. This shows that while CBT is effective it is most effective when used alongside other
treatment options such as drug therapies.
One limitation of cognitive treatments for depression is that they are very individualistic and
require the involvement of patient. Many sufferers of depression lack motivation and may
not feel well enough to engage in this form of therapy. The effectiveness of this treatment is
therefore limited to the select few that decide to engage demonstrating that it is not an
option for everyone who suffers from depression.
Still, a positive of cognitive treatments of depression is that they can be empowering for the
individual. This is because they emphasise the ability of the patient to overcome depression
and change the way they think. While for some they may see this as blaming them for their
condition for others it may motivate them to change their thinking and lifestyle giving them
the opportunity to make positive changes.
However, CBT can be expensive and time consuming. This is because multiple sessions with
a highly trained professional are required to notice any observable difference. This shows
that while they may be a good long-term solution, for individuals that need a short term
solution or cannot afford multiple sessions drug treatments may be a better alternative.
The cognitive approach to treating depression suggest that depression needs to be treated
via cognitive restructuring. Beck’s CBT aims to do this by challenging irrational thinking and
providing rational alternatives. Firstly, the patient is asked to identify these negative
irrational thoughts (this is known as thought catching) and the therapist might ask why they
feel this way. He therapist will then challenge the patient to collect empirical evidence to
prove this thought false, perhaps setting homework for the patient to write down every nice
thing someone says (this is known as having the patient as the scientist). Ultimately, after a
few sessions the patients will start to understand the irrationality of their thoughts and
move toward a more positive though process. Ellis offers an alternative therapy based on
the same cognitive principles known as Rational emotive behavioural therapy or REBT. This
therapy tackles irrational thinking by challenging these directly through empirical or logical
arguments, this involves the therapist engaging argumentally with the patient. This can also
involve the therapist setting some shame attacking exercises to help show the patient the
fundamental lack of reality in their thought processing.
One strength of CBT in treating depression is that there is evidence demonstrating that it is
effective. March et al found that CBT was 81% effective in treating depression, showing that
CBT des help may individuals who may be struggling. However, March et al also found that
antidepressants were also 81% effective and that a combination of both was most effective
at 86%. This shows that while CBT is effective it is most effective when used alongside other
treatment options such as drug therapies.
One limitation of cognitive treatments for depression is that they are very individualistic and
require the involvement of patient. Many sufferers of depression lack motivation and may
not feel well enough to engage in this form of therapy. The effectiveness of this treatment is
therefore limited to the select few that decide to engage demonstrating that it is not an
option for everyone who suffers from depression.
Still, a positive of cognitive treatments of depression is that they can be empowering for the
individual. This is because they emphasise the ability of the patient to overcome depression
and change the way they think. While for some they may see this as blaming them for their
condition for others it may motivate them to change their thinking and lifestyle giving them
the opportunity to make positive changes.
However, CBT can be expensive and time consuming. This is because multiple sessions with
a highly trained professional are required to notice any observable difference. This shows
that while they may be a good long-term solution, for individuals that need a short term
solution or cannot afford multiple sessions drug treatments may be a better alternative.
