Cognitive behavioral therapy for depression: Technique and approach

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Cognitive-behavioral treatments are based on two separate theoretical models, both cognitive and behavioral. Cognitive models are based on the premise that cognitions, or thoughts, determine emotions and behavior. Automatic system is one type of cognition that might be distorted by errors of thinking for example overgeneralization, catastrophic thinking, jumping to conclusions, or personalization.

Errors in thinking tend to be more frequent and intense in depression as well as in other psychiatric disorders. Behavioral models are based on theories of learning for example by modeling or by reinforcement to certain responses.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an approach that uses techniques based on the models described previously here. A greater emphasis on cognitive approaches or on behavioral approaches may be taken depending on the disorder and also the stage of treatment.

Cognitive techniques include

Psychoeducation
Modifying automatic thoughts
Modifying schemas

Behavioral techniques include

Activity scheduling
Breathing control
Contingency contracting
Desensitization/relaxation training
Exposure and flooding
Social skills training
Thought stopping/distraction

Through several techniques, patients learn to manage their anxiety and reactions to stress appropriately. Exposure training is really a technique that uses graded contact with a high-anxiety situation by smashing the task into small steps that are focused on one by one.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been the best studied type of psychotherapy and has been proven to deal with depression effectively. It is usually more appropriate in cases of mild to moderate depression that is acute. Treatment typically lasts 3 to 6 months with 10-20 weekly sessions. The individual is expected to be an energetic participant in trying new strategies and you will be likely to do homework.

Legal Disclaimer

Our website is not responsible for the information contained by this article. Articleinput.com is a free articles resource thus practically any visitor can submit an article. However if you notice any copyrighted material, please contact us and we will remove the article(s) in discussion right away.

Note: This article was sent to us by: Joshua R. Hobson at 02112011

1. Depression: definition, signs, symptoms and causes
Depression is a medical problem that affects a person's thoughts and feelings as well since the body. It may be related to various physical problems, for example sleep, app...

2. Some medical conditions and treatments can cause depression
Many health conditions can have depression associated with them, which range from endocrine (hormonal) disorders, cardiac conditions, cancers, vitamin deficiencies, etc....

3. Bipolar disorder, depression and mood swings
People with bipolar disorder classically have cycles of depression alternating with euphoric/irritable mood states (called mania). There are many disorders of mood in addit...

4. Who can help you with treatment for depression
Many clinicians of numerous educational backgrounds are qualified to diagnose and treat depression. The choice of practitioner type in part is determined by need for therap...

5. Depression affects women more than men for a number of reasons
Women have clearly more chances for developing depression than men. This may be because of two factors. First, women are physiologically different, which may explain a few ...

6. Signs of grief look the same as symptoms of major depression
Bereavement can be a complicated process for many people and differs between cultural groups as well as between individuals. Do not mistake the signs of grief for symptoms ...

7. Psychosocial and pharmacological treatment options for depression
Do you know the various kinds of treatment for depression? Types of treatment for depression fall under two broad categories: psychosocial and pharmacological. Wi...