PSYCHOPATHOLOGY ( the cog appr to explaining/treating depression)

Question 1

Outline Beck’s negative triad in explaining depression

Answer 1

Negative triad : depressed individuals have negative views about
the self - i’m worthless , the world - everything is against me , the future - nothing will ever get better

Cognitive biases/ Negative schema - errors in thinking such as overgeneralization , catastrophizing and selective abstraction ( focusing only on the negatives)

Question 2

Outline Ellis’s ABC model in explaining depression

Answer 2

A - activating event ( failing a test)
B- Beliefs ( i must succeed at everything or i’m a failure)
C - Consequences ( feeling depressed)

Elis argued that irrational beliefs lead to emotional disturbance , not the events themselves

Question 3

Evaluate the cognitive approach to explaining depression

Answer 3

STRENGTHS :

Practical applications : forms the basis of CBT , one of the most effective treatments for depression/

Focuses on the individual : empowers people by suggesting that changing thought patterns can improve mental mental health

WEAKNESSES :

Ignores biological factors : doesn’t account for genetic , neurochemical , or hormonal influences on depression eg. serotonin imbalance

Blames the individual : Suggesting depression is due to faulty thinking may lead to guilt or blame , ignoring situational variables eg trauma , poverty

Question 4

Outline cognitive- behaviour therapy ( CBT) and it’s factors in treating depression

Answer 4

CBT - a combination of cognitive therapy ( changing beliefs ) and behavioural therapy ( changing behaviour)

Identifying negative thoughts - helps the client recognize automatic negative thoughts related to self , world and future

Challenging irrational thoughts - Ellis’s rational emotive behaviour therapy ( REBT)
expands CBT using the ABCDE model ( Activating events , beliefs , consequences, disputing irrational beliefs , effect - new rational belief)

Homework assignments - clients may keep thought diaries , try new behaviours , or practice new ways of thinking outside of sessions . Reinforces learning and promotes independence

Question 5

Evaluate CBT in treating depression

Answer 5

STRENGHTHS

Effective treatment : CBT has been shown in many studies to be highly effective , especially for mild to moderate depression. March et al. found CBT to be as effective as antidepressants , and even more effective when combined.

Addresses root thought patterns : unlike drugs , CBT tackles the underlying cognitive distortions , not just the symptoms.
This can lead to long-term improvements and lower relapse rates

WEAKNESSES

Relapse can still occur : while CBT can reduce symptoms , relapses can still happen , especially without ongoing support or follow up sessions.

Time consuming and costly : typically involves weekly sessions over several months , which may be difficult to access due to cost or waiting lists

Overemphasis on cognition : CBT may underestimate environmental or biological factors ( traumas , chemical imbalances ). Not always suitable if depression is mainly triggered by situational or physical causes