Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Theorists of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) believe that a negative mind-set is an essential component of depression, and they believe that:
- depressed people tend to view themselves, the world, and the future in a negative light
- depressed feelings and behavior are the result of such negatively distorted thinking patterns
CBT is a directive, structured form of psychotherapy in which the therapist uses a variety of techniques to help individuals modify negative, maladaptive ways of thinking. Therapy sessions typically consist of a review of material from the previous session including homework assignments, planning, specific tasks, and the assignment of homework. Initial sessions generally emphasize the recognition of maladaptive thoughts, with later sessions focused on the testing and modification of erroneous assumptions (e.g., "If I make a mistake, it means I am a failure.").
Evidence suggests that cognitive-behavioral therapy may be comparable in effectiveness to treatment with tricyclic antidepressants for mild-to-moderate and major depression. Additionally, cognitive-behavioral therapy may be as effective as behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy in the treatment of depression.
