Treatment Studies

Question 1

Riggs et al. 2007 (Concept)

Answer 1

CBT, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Blend of Cognitive Therapy and Behavioural therapy. The client learns to identify unhealthy thoughts and behaviours so that they can gradually be replaced by more positive ones. There are around 12–20 weekly sessions.

SSRI- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

The serotonin hypothesis of depression argues that a reduction in serotonin leads to an increased predisposition to depression. SSRIs block process of serotonin reuptake and thus allow there to be higher levels of serotonin in the synapse.

Question 2

Riggs et al. 2007 (Study)

Answer 2

Aim: Investigate the effectiveness of CBT in combination with either a placebo or an SSRI

Participants:
-126 adolescents
- Aged 13 - 19
- Suffered from depression
- Most recruited from social services and juvenile justice systems

Procedure:
- Allocated into CBT + SSRI OR CBT + Placebo
- After study a physician rated them

Results:
- 76% improved in CBT + SSRI
- 67% improved in CBT + placebo
- Self reports show decrease in depression and behavioural problems
- Researchers argued the learned techniques help manage negative thoughts and feelings which could trigger substance abuse

Question 3

Elkin et al. 1989 (Concept)

Answer 3

CBT, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Blend of Cognitive Therapy and Behavioural therapy. The client learns to identify unhealthy thoughts and behaviours so that they can gradually be replaced by more positive ones. There are around 12–20 weekly sessions.

IPT, Interpersonal Therapy

The focus is on developing effective social skills and the client’s current life situation. Techniques include discussion of interpersonal problems, exploration of and encouragement to express negative feelings, and the improvement of verbal and non-verbal communication.

Question 4

Elkin et al. 1989 (Study)

Answer 4

Aim: Level of significance between three approaches to therapy for MDD

Participants:
- 250 patients
- From three treatment centres in Pittsburg, Washington DC, and Oklahoma City

Procedure:
- Obtained informed consent
- Allocated into CBT OR IPT OR Imipramine + clinical management OR placebo + clinical management
- Treatments lasted 16 weeks
- Assessments before, during, and after study on symptoms, life function, and functioning related to particular treatment approaches. Assement info from client, therapist, an independent clinical evaluator

Results:
- No sig difference in improvement btwn CBT or IPT or btwn either of them and Imipramine
- 3 treatments were superior than placebo
- Imipramine fastest in reduction of symptoms
- Outcome is influenced by initial severity
- Self reports show improvement in establishing and maintaining personal relationships in CBT and IPT condition

Question 5

Zhang et al. 2002 (Concept)

Answer 5

CTCP, Chinese Taoist Cognitive Psychotherapy

Emic perspective believes that many factors come into play when diagnosing and treating a client, especially in regard to their culture.

Verses from Taoist writings that highlight main principles, such as restricting selfish desires, learning how to be content, and learning to let go, are read and reflected on by the client.

Question 6

Ando et al. 2009 (Concept)

Answer 6

Mindfulness-based meditation therapy

Emic perspective believes that many factors come into play when diagnosing and treating a client, especially in regard to their culture.

Mindfulness encourages open attitudes toward present experiences and thoughts. Mindfulness-based stress reduction meditation may help patients to reduce psychological stress.

Question 7

Zhang et al. 2002 (Study)

Answer 7

Aim: Test the efficacy of CTCP

Participants:
- 143 Chinese Patients
- With General Anxiety Disorder

Procedure:
- Allocated into CTCP OR Benzodiazepines OR both
- Patients evaluated before, after one month, and after 6 months

Results:
- After 1 month, benzodiazepines showed better results
- After 6 months, CTCP showed greater reduction in symptoms
- After 6 months, those with both showed greatest symptom reduction with low relapse
- CTCP helped reduce perfectionism and improve coping skills

Question 8

Ando et al. 2009 (Study)

Answer 8

Aim: The effect of mindfulness-based meditation therapy on anxiety and depression in Japanese patients undergoing anti-cancer treatment.

Participants:
- 28 Patients
- Japanese

Procedure:
- Participated in two sessions of meditation therapy
- Instructed to practice at home between sessions
- Competed questionnaires before and after treatment

Results
- Anxiety and depression levels decreased significantly.