Examination:
Course: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (201600815)
2 November 2020 (11.00 – 13.00)
This examination consists of three cases and there are three open questions for each case.
The maximum number of points that can be obtained for each case is the same (thus for each
case you can obtain the same amount of points). Please write your answers in English in the
space provided below each question (in the box). You are allowed to use books, papers,
videos, etc. to answer the questions. You are not allowed to discuss the questions and
answers with others including your fellow students. Your total mark for this examination
must at least be a ‘pass’ mark [minimum 5,5]. Good luck!
Please put your name and student number on this first page.
NAME: ....
STUDENT NUMBER: ...
If you have technical problems or any other questions, you can contact me via email:
or via MS Teams.
Course: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Examination, 2 November 2020
, 2
Case 1
Ahmed is a 25 year old Arab speaking patient originating from Iran, who fled to the Netherlands
when he was 20 years. As a university student, he was arrested because of political activities at the
Iranian university four times. During his imprisonment he was tortured, physically and sexually. He
escaped the fourth time and fled the country.
At the intake, he reports that he is having recurrent nightmares and flashbacks of his
imprisonment. He suffers from intrusions: thoughts, images and scents. He has problems falling
asleep, and he ruminates a lot. He also has problems with concentration, anger outbursts, and avoids
reminders of the past. He is feeling detached and worthless, he usually thinks everything is
hopeless. In addition, he suffers from feelings of guilt, as he believes that because of his actions
others got into trouble; in particular he grieves about his younger brother, who was arrested and
killed in prison. He also reports severe somatic complaints, chronic pain in chest and shoulders, and
recurrent headaches.
After a long asylum procedure in the Netherlands, he got a job at a call centre. But because of
his problems, he was unable to fulfil his obligations, and he currently is unemployed. He
lives isolated and avoids contact with other people as much as possible. He is diagnosed with Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Question 1.
Which CBT techniques would you offer Ahmed to alleviate his depressive symptoms? Describe
three CBT techniques that would be appropriate to alleviate the depressive symptoms. Describe why
you would offer each of the three techniques (substantiate your choices), and link each technique to
relevant information from Ahmed.
-Behavioural activation: he lives isolated and avoids contact with other people. I would advice him
to stay active and would structure his day with him to increase pleasurable activities. This could be
done with a graded task assignment, so we can reach goals in small steps.
- Pie chart for cognitive restructuring to target misinterpretations: Ahmed feels a lot of guilt and
blames himself for the death of his brother. He seems to have difficulty formulating alternative
explanations for the event.
- Cognitive continuum to challenge negative beliefs about himself. Ahmed believes himself to be
worthless.
Course: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Examination, 2 November 2020
Course: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (201600815)
2 November 2020 (11.00 – 13.00)
This examination consists of three cases and there are three open questions for each case.
The maximum number of points that can be obtained for each case is the same (thus for each
case you can obtain the same amount of points). Please write your answers in English in the
space provided below each question (in the box). You are allowed to use books, papers,
videos, etc. to answer the questions. You are not allowed to discuss the questions and
answers with others including your fellow students. Your total mark for this examination
must at least be a ‘pass’ mark [minimum 5,5]. Good luck!
Please put your name and student number on this first page.
NAME: ....
STUDENT NUMBER: ...
If you have technical problems or any other questions, you can contact me via email:
or via MS Teams.
Course: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Examination, 2 November 2020
, 2
Case 1
Ahmed is a 25 year old Arab speaking patient originating from Iran, who fled to the Netherlands
when he was 20 years. As a university student, he was arrested because of political activities at the
Iranian university four times. During his imprisonment he was tortured, physically and sexually. He
escaped the fourth time and fled the country.
At the intake, he reports that he is having recurrent nightmares and flashbacks of his
imprisonment. He suffers from intrusions: thoughts, images and scents. He has problems falling
asleep, and he ruminates a lot. He also has problems with concentration, anger outbursts, and avoids
reminders of the past. He is feeling detached and worthless, he usually thinks everything is
hopeless. In addition, he suffers from feelings of guilt, as he believes that because of his actions
others got into trouble; in particular he grieves about his younger brother, who was arrested and
killed in prison. He also reports severe somatic complaints, chronic pain in chest and shoulders, and
recurrent headaches.
After a long asylum procedure in the Netherlands, he got a job at a call centre. But because of
his problems, he was unable to fulfil his obligations, and he currently is unemployed. He
lives isolated and avoids contact with other people as much as possible. He is diagnosed with Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Question 1.
Which CBT techniques would you offer Ahmed to alleviate his depressive symptoms? Describe
three CBT techniques that would be appropriate to alleviate the depressive symptoms. Describe why
you would offer each of the three techniques (substantiate your choices), and link each technique to
relevant information from Ahmed.
-Behavioural activation: he lives isolated and avoids contact with other people. I would advice him
to stay active and would structure his day with him to increase pleasurable activities. This could be
done with a graded task assignment, so we can reach goals in small steps.
- Pie chart for cognitive restructuring to target misinterpretations: Ahmed feels a lot of guilt and
blames himself for the death of his brother. He seems to have difficulty formulating alternative
explanations for the event.
- Cognitive continuum to challenge negative beliefs about himself. Ahmed believes himself to be
worthless.
Course: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Examination, 2 November 2020
