cognitive approach to treating depression

Question 1

What is cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)?

Answer 1

A method for treating mental disorders based on both cognitive and behavioural techniques.

Question 2

What is the primary focus of the cognitive element in CBT?

Answer 2

To deal with thinking, such as challenging negative thoughts.

Question 3

What are irrational thoughts?

Answer 3

Thoughts that are likely to interfere with a person’s happiness, also known as dysfunctional thoughts.

Question 4

What mental disorders can dysfunctional thoughts lead to?

Answer 4

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Other mental health issues

Question 5

What is the most commonly used psychological treatment for depression?

Answer 5

Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT).

Question 6

What does the cognitive element of CBT involve?

Answer 6

Assessment, clarifying problems, identifying goals, and planning to achieve them.

Question 7

What is the central task of CBT?

Answer 7

To identify negative or irrational thoughts that will benefit from challenge.

Question 8

What does the behavioural element of CBT focus on?

Answer 8

Changing negative and irrational thoughts and implementing more effective behaviours.

Question 9

What is the negative triad in Beck’s cognitive therapy?

Answer 9

Automatic thoughts about the world, the self, and the future.

Question 10

What is a key component of Beck’s cognitive therapy?

Answer 10

Challenging automatic negative thoughts.

Question 11

What role does homework play in cognitive therapy?

Answer 11

Clients record enjoyable events or positive interactions to challenge negative beliefs.

Question 12

What is Ellis’s rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT)?

Answer 12

A therapy that extends the ABC model to an ABCDE model, focusing on disputing irrational thoughts.

Question 13

In the ABCDE model of REBT, what does ‘D’ stand for?

Answer 13

Dispute.

Question 14

In the ABCDE model of REBT, what does ‘E’ stand for?

Answer 14

Effect.

Question 15

What is a common method used in REBT to challenge negative beliefs?

Answer 15

Empirical argument and logical argument.

Question 16

What is the goal of behavioural activation?

Answer 16

To decrease avoidance and isolation in depressed individuals and increase engagement in mood-improving activities.

Question 17

What activities are encouraged in behavioural activation?

Answer 17

• Exercising
• Going out to dinner
• Other social activities

Question 18

True or False: The hallmark of REBT is a vigorous argument to change irrational beliefs.

Answer 18

True.

Question 19

Fill in the blank: The cognitive behaviour therapist works with the client to clarify the client’s _______.

Answer 19

[problems].

Question 20

What is a key strength of CBT?

Answer 20

Large body of evidence supporting its effectiveness for treating depression.

Many studies, such as those by John March et al. (2007), show that CBT works effectively.

Question 21

What were the improvement rates for the CBT group in John March et al.’s study?

Answer 21

81% of the CBT group improved after 36 weeks.

The study compared CBT, antidepressants, and a combination of both treatments.

Question 22

How many sessions does CBT typically require?

Answer 22

Six to twelve sessions.

This makes CBT a cost-effective treatment option.

Question 23

In which public health care system is CBT widely seen as the first choice of treatment?

Answer 23

National Health Service (NHS).

CBT’s effectiveness and cost-effectiveness contribute to its preference.

Question 24

What is one limitation of CBT for treating depression?

Answer 24

Lack of effectiveness for severe cases and clients with learning disabilities.

Severe depression may hinder clients’ motivation and engagement in CBT.

Question 25

Why might CBT be unsuitable for clients with learning disabilities?

Answer 25

The complex rational thinking involved in CBT. ## Footnote Peter Sturmey (2005) suggests psychotherapy is generally unsuitable for this group.

Question 26

What does recent evidence suggest about CBT's effectiveness for severe depression?

Answer 26

CBT may be as effective as antidepressant drugs and behavioral therapies. ## Footnote Reviews by Gemma Lewis and Glyn Lewis (2016) support this claim.

Question 27

What did John Taylor et al. (2008) conclude about CBT and learning disabilities?

Answer 27

CBT is effective for people with learning disabilities when used appropriately. ## Footnote This challenges earlier beliefs about the limitations of CBT.

Question 28

What is a further limitation of CBT regarding treatment outcomes?

Answer 28

High relapse rates after treatment. ## Footnote Concerns exist about the longevity of CBT's benefits.

Question 29

What percentage of clients relapsed into depression within six months after CBT according to Shehzad Ali et al. (2017)?

Answer 29

42% relapsed within six months. ## Footnote The study involved 439 clients assessed monthly for a year.

Question 30

What percentage of clients relapsed within a year after completing CBT?

Answer 30

53% relapsed within a year. ## Footnote This indicates the need for periodic repetition of CBT.

Question 31

Fill in the blank: CBT is usually a fairly brief therapy requiring _______ sessions.

Answer 31

six to twelve