Depression

Question 1

What are the behavioural characteristics of depression ?

Answer 1

. reduced activity levels
. disruption to sleep/eating
. aggression/self - harm

Question 2

What are the emotional characteristics of depression ?

Answer 2

. lowered mood
. anger
. lowered self esteem

Question 3

What are the cognitive characteristics of depression ?

Answer 3

. poor concentration
. negative dwelling
. absolutist thinking

Question 4

What is Beck’s theory for explaining depression ?

Answer 4

3 components:
Faulty information thinking
^ over generalisations and catastrophising

Negative self schemas
^ negative experiences that could lead to coginitive bias

Negative triad
^ the self, world and future, Negative schemas and FIT maintain this

Question 5

What is the evaluation for becks theory

Answer 5

Good supporting evidence
. Grazoni and Terry assessed 65 pregnant women for depression vulnerability before and after birth
. Found those with high cognitive vulnerability were more likely to develop post - natal depression

Practical application
. Developed therapy

Doesn’t explain all aspects
. Theory explains the basis symptoms of depression - however its a complex disorder with range of symptoms

Question 6

What is Ellis’ ABC model ?

Answer 6

How irrational thoughts lead to depression:
A - activating event

B - beliefs
- irrational interpretation of the event

C - consequences
- irrational beliefs lead to unhealthy emotional outcomes

Question 7

What is the evaluation for Ellis’s ABC model ?

Answer 7

. Offers partial explanation
- some argument depression is caused by biology

. Practical application
- developed a treatment

. Doesn’t explain all aspects
- does not explain the origins of irrational thoughts - unable to determine if negative, irrational thoughts cause depression, or whether a person’s depression leads to a negative mindset.

Question 8

What is Becks cognitive therapy ?

Answer 8

1.) initial assessment to find automatic negative triad
2.) setting goals, monitoring improvements, challenge negative thoughts

. Use reality testing = setting HW
. Behavioural activation = patients become more active

Question 9

What is Ellis’ rational emotive behavioural therapy ?

Answer 9

Extends ABC model: disputing, effect

Empirical = actual evidence to support irrational belief
Logical = whether it follows facts
Pragmatic = if its going to help the patient

Question 10

What is the evaluation for CBT ?

Answer 10

Its effective
. March et al compared effects of CBT with antidepressants on adolescents - 3 conditions. Group where CBT and antidepressants had best improvements

May not work for severe cases

Patient/therapist relationship