CBT and the treatment of depression

Cognitive-behavioural therapy is the most common psychological treatment for MDD. It emerged from Beck’s theory as to the causes of depression. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a term that encompasses numerous specific treatment approaches. As the name suggests, cognitive-behavioural treatments incorporate both cognitive and behavioural strategies. With regard to depression, CBT refers to the use of both cognitive restructuring and the behavioural strategy of activity scheduling or behavioural activation. In other words, it addresses the underlying negative thoughts that lead to the depression and helps the person see that these thoughts are faulty and are responsible for their emotional state.

This article, Cognitive behavioural therapy ‘can reduce depression’, raises issues on the effectiveness of this treatment.