Beck - Treatments of Dysfunctional Behaviour

Question 1

Ellis RET

Answer 1

Rational Emotive Theory.
Based on cognitive approach to treatment, the assumption that illogical thought processes cause dysfunctional behaviour, therefore need to be restructured.
ABC’s

Question 2

A’s

Answer 2

activating event, contribute to psychological disturbance eg. being criticised

Question 3

Bs

Answer 3

beliefs, influence psychological well-being

Question 4

Cs

Answer 4

consequences, happen if you have the faulty and illogical beliefs.

Question 5

Aim

Answer 5

To compare the effectiveness of cognitive therapy and drug therapy.
Pharmacotherapy and cognitive therapy.

Question 6

Method

Answer 6

Controlled experiment, participants = random allocation to condition.
Independent measures design.

Question 7

Sample

Answer 7

44 patients diagnoses with moderate to severe depression attending psychiatric outpatients clinics.

Question 8

Procedure

Answer 8

Patients assessed with 3 self reports before treatment using Beck Depression Inventory, Hamilton Rating Scale and Rasking rating scale.
12 weeks:
- 1 hour cognitive therapy session twice a week
OR
- 100 imipramine capsules prescribed by visiting the doctor for 20 minute a week.

Cognitive therapy session were prescribed and controlled, therapists were observed to ensure reliability.

Question 9

Findings

Answer 9

• Both groups shows a significant decrease in depression on all three rating scales.
• Cognitive therapy resulted in significantly greater improvement than did pharmacotherapy on self-administered measure of depression (Beck Depression Inventory) and clinical ratings (Hamilton or Rasking).
• Cognitive treatment showed significantly greater improvements or complete remission of symptoms 78.9%, compared to 22.7% of pharmacotherapy.
• Substantial decrease in anxiety ratings.
• Follow-up contacts at three and six months indicate that treatment gains evident at termination were maintained over time.
• 68% pharmacotherapy re entered treatment for depression, only 16% psychotherapy patients did.

Question 10

Drop out rate

Answer 10

Cognitive therapy = 5%
Drug treatment group = 32%
Significantly higher with pharmacotherapy.

Question 11

Conclusions

Answer 11

Cognitive therapy leads to a better treatment of depression than drug therapy. Shown by:

• fewer symptoms reports and observed.
• better adherence to treatment.