Outline and evaluate the cognitive approach to treating depression. (16 marks)
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Course
Psychopathology
Institution
AQA
I finished my psychology A-level last year with an A*. I have compiled a list of improvised essays I done as mocks and each of these essays fall into band 4 (13-16 marks)
Outline and evaluate the
cognitive approach to treating
depression. (16 marks)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) involves both cognitive and behavioural elements
and typically starts with an initial assessment, in which the patient and therapist identify
the patient’s problems. Thereafter, the patient and therapist agree on a set of goals, and
a plan of action to achieve these goals. While there are different forms of CBT (e.g.
based on Beck’s and Ellis’s theories) the aim to identify the negative and irrational
thoughts remains the same, despite the fact their approaches differ.
Ellis developed his ABC model to include D (dispute) and E (effective). The idea here is
that the therapist will dispute the patient’s irrational beliefs, to replace their irrational
beliefs with more effective beliefs and attitudes. There are different types of dispute
which can be used, including: empirical dispute – where the therapist seeks evidence
for a person’s thoughts: ‘Where is the evidence that your beliefs are true?’ Following a
session, the therapist may set their patient homework. The idea is that the patient
identifies their own irrational beliefs and then proves them wrong. As a result, their
beliefs begin to change.
One strength of cognitive behaviour therapy comes from research evidence which
demonstrates its effectiveness in treating depression. Research by March et al. (2007)
found that CBT was as effective as antidepressants in treating depression. The
researchers examined 327 adolescents with a diagnosis of depression and looked at
the effectiveness of CBT, antidepressants, and treatment with a combination of CBT
and antidepressants. After 36 weeks, 81% of the antidepressant group and 81% of the
CBT group had significantly improved, demonstrating the effectiveness of CBT in
treating depression. However, 86% of the CBT with antidepressant group had
significantly improved. This suggests that a combination of both treatments may be
more effective. While March et al. provide some support for cognitive treatments of
Outline and evaluate the cognitive approach to treating depression. (16 marks) 1
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