Cognitive approach to treating depression

Cognitive approach to treating depression

1. Ellis' ABC model

   • Irrational beliefs
   • A:
     • Activating event: getting fired
     • B:
       • The Belief - can be irrational / rational
         • Rational: 'I was sacked because they were overstaffed'
         • Irrational: 'I was sacked cause they all hate me'
       • C:
         • Consequence - can be rational / irrational
           • Rational - I.e. acceptance can lead to healthy emotions
           • Irrational - I.e. denial can lead to unhealthy emotions, i.e. depression
   • Mustabatory thinking
     • Source of irrational beliefs
     • The idea that certain beliefs must be true in order for you to be happy
       • I MUST be approved of / accepted by people I find important
         • I MUST do well or I am worthless
           • The world MUST give me happiness or i'll die
     • Leads to disappointment

2. Becks negative triad

   • Beck thought negative thoughts underlie a mental disorder and was especially interested in finding out why people were depressed.
   • Depressed people have acquired a negative schema during childhood, due to:
     • parental / peer rejection
     • Criticisms by teachers
     • These schemas are activated whenever the person encounters a new situation that resemble the original issue
       • Schemas lead to systematic cognitive bias in thinking, i.e. over - generalising, sweeping conclusions
   • Negative views of self
     • Negative view of world
       • Negative views of future
         • 'I'm always going to be alone and nothings gonna change that'
       • 'Everyone hates me and prefers the company of others'
     • 'I'm worthless'