Cognitive explanation of mental illness: DEPRESSION

Question 1

Characteristics of depression

Answer 1

Low mood, tearful, irritable
Lack of motivation, loss of interest
Fatigue, lethargic
Changes in sleep pattern
Memory & attention problems
Diet & appetite changes

Question 2

This explanation suggests that depression is caused by…

Answer 2

Faulty or irrational thought processes/ cognitions.
Explains that abnormal behaviour, such as depression, caused by faulty/irrational cognitions, assumes that it is the way you think about a problem rather than the problem itself that causes mental disorders.

Question 3

Evidence to support this explanation comes from Aaron Beck

Answer 3

Developed the cognitive explanation for depression- argued patients make a series of cognitive errors forming the ‘cognitive triad’- a pessimistic, irrational view that a patient holds about self, future and world.
Cognitive errors/ distortions include: over generalisation, minimisation and maximisation.
These distortions are thought to stem from childhood experiences e.g rejection/criticism from parents.
Through CBT individuals can overcome mental disorders like depression by learning to use appropriate cognitions/thoughts.

Question 4

Issues & debates

Answer 4

Free will/determinism: proposes element of free will- you can choose to think differently- does place some blame on individual. Empowering & offers hope for change.
Reductionism- ignores biological causes- social factors/ causes. e.g genetics.
Nurture- thoughts stem from childhood, does not ignore nature- people develop faulty thinking because they’re anxious.

Question 5

Application

Answer 5

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)