CBT and Depression

Author – Lyn Elsa Georgy

Causes of DepressionGiven our current level of knowledge,

it may seem wise to accept that there are likely to be many causes of depression, either working alone or in relation to each other.

Most Mental Health Practitioners use a “multi-factorial” model of mental illness- The bio psychosocial model that has room for physical, environmental (social) and psychological factors.

The treatments offered should also cater to the model , however unfortunately they don't.

The following is an overview of supposed causes and treatment options available

1. Biological factors

Causes- Genetic and Hereditary factors Biochemical factors (neurotransmitter imbalance)

Treatment- Antidepressants Electroconvulsive therapy(ECT)

2. PsychologicalCauses- Emotional factors-stress Cognitive errors

Treatment- Emotional- REBT,DBT techniques focusing on

identifying,labeling and altering one's emotional experiences

Cognitive- REBT, CBT techniques focusing on identifying,labeling and altering one's thinking styles.

3. Social

Causes- Society, relations and environmental factors

Treatment- Inter personal therapy-(IPT), socio economic help,

etc

4. others explanations

Other hypotheses vary from a viral theory of depression, to dietary deficiencies, to influence of light, exercise, sleep, other physical ailments.

Research is underway on the same.

Depression and CBT CBT techniques focuses

on behavior and emotions resultant of cognition(thinking).

Therefore it rests on the premise that if we can manage to correct the negative patterns of thinking it can cure the person of depression(other psych- problems as well)

Focus

CBT therapists would focus on the following three domains-

1. Depressive ruminations

2. Identifying and rectifying Negative Automatic Thoughts(NAT's)

3. Identifying and altering Negative Core Beliefs.