The Cognitive Approach to Treating Depression

Question 1

What is CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)?

Answer 1

A psychological treatment where the therapist and client work together to identify and challenge irrational thoughts and beliefs.

Question 2

What does Beck’s Cognitive Therapy focus on?

Answer 2

Identifying automatic negative thoughts about the self, world, and future, and encouraging clients to test the reality of these beliefs.

Question 3

What is meant by ‘Client as Scientist’ in CBT?

Answer 3

Clients gather evidence for and against their beliefs (e.g., keeping a diary of positive experiences) to test their validity.

Question 4

What is Ellis’s REBT and what does the ABCDE model stand for?

Answer 4

Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy.

A: Activating event
B: Belief
C: Consequence
D: Dispute
E: Effect (change in belief)

Question 5

What is Behavioural Activation in CBT?

Answer 5

Encouraging clients to engage in enjoyable or meaningful activities to combat low mood and avoidance behaviour.

Question 6

Strength: How effective is CBT according to research?

Answer 6

Evidence: March et al. (2007) – 81% of adolescents improved with CBT alone.

Link: Supports CBT as a first-line treatment in NHS/public settings.

Question 7

Limitation: Why might CBT not work for all clients?

Answer 7

Evidence: Sturmey (2005) – CBT may not suit clients with severe depression or learning disabilities.

Link: Limits CBT’s universality – other treatments may be needed.

Question 8

Limitation: What are relapse rates like after CBT?

Answer 8

Evidence: Ali et al. (2017) – 42% relapse within 6 months, 53% within a year.

Link: Suggests need for long-term or combined treatments.

Question 9

Strength: Do clients prefer CBT over other treatments?

Answer 9

Evidence: Yardley et al. – many prefer CBT over drug therapy.

Link: Highlights CBT’s client satisfaction and acceptability.