Question

A 40-year-old patient diagnosed with major depression is being treated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Discuss the basic premise of CBT and how it might help depression?

Answer 1

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a common type of talk therapy that for some people can work as well or better than medication to treat depression.

A therapist helps you identify negative or false thoughts and replace those thoughts with healthier, more realistic ones. For example, you might feel worthless or believe that your life is bad and will only get worse. Or you might obsess over your flaws and shortcomings.

CBT aims to change how a person thinks (‘cognitive’) and what they do (‘behavior’). CBT, therefore, uses both cognitive and behavioral techniques. The specific interventions chosen depend on the individual’s formulation.

First, CBT makes you aware you have these thoughts. Then it teaches you to swap them for more positive ones. The change in your attitude leads to a change in your behavior. That can help ease your depression.

You may wake up in the morning and wonder, “What’s the point of trying?” With CBT, you learn to tell yourself, “That’s not a helpful thought. Making an effort has lots of rewards. I’ll start by getting out of bed.”

A therapist helps you identify negative or false thoughts and replace those thoughts with healthier, more realistic ones. For example, you might feel worthless or believe that your life is bad and will only get worse. Or you might obsess over your flaws and shortcomings.

Advantages of CBT

Long-term outcome

CBT has been shown to have an enduring positive effect on patients.

Cost-effectiveness