Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
| OUR RATING |  |
What is it?
Cognitive behaviour therapy is sometimes called just 'cognitive therapy'.
It involves learning from a therapist to overcome the distorted, negative thinking
patterns that can lead to depression. Cognitive behaviour therapists may also
use other techniques, like getting the depressed person to do more things that
give them pleasure, helping them to solve problems in their life, and learning
better social skills.
More >>
How does it work?
People who are depressed have distorted thinking patterns. They see themselves and their situation more negatively than others see it. These thinking patterns can make their depressed mood worse. In cognitive behaviour therapy, distorted thinking is challenged by the therapist who teaches the person how to overcome their negative thinking patterns in everyday life.
Is it effective?
There are many studies showing that people with mild or moderate depression recover more quickly if they are treated with cognitive behaviour therapy. Cognitive behaviour therapy is as effective as antidepressant drugs for these people. Unlike antidepressant drugs, cognitive behaviour therapy works as well for adolescents as for adults. An advantage of cognitive behaviour therapy is that it helps people learn skills that may prevent them from becoming depressed in the future. Cognitive behaviour therapy may not be suitable for severely depressed people because they may be too depressed to learn the new thinking skills.
Are there any disadvantages?
Cognitive behaviour therapy may involve seeing a therapist weekly for several months. It can be expensive, although in Australia Medicare provides rebates for visits to clinical psychologists, psychologists and other therapists (see below).
Where do you get it?
Cognitive behaviour therapy is generally provided by therapists such as clinical psychologists, psychologists or counsellors who have been specially trained to provide this therapy (see Psychologists and other therapists). Most GPs do not have the time or the training to provide this treatment. In Australia, Medicare provides rebates for visits to some therapists under the Better Access to Mental Health Care scheme. Cognitive behaviour therapy may also be covered by some private health insurance funds and is sometimes available from therapists employed in hospitals or government-funded clinics. There are also self-help books on cognitive behaviour therapy which can be bought in most bookshops (see section on Bibliotherapy).
You can learn more about cognitive behaviour therapy techniques in MoodGYM and e-couch, our free online programs. MoodGYM has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression and e-couch is currently being evaluated.
More >>
Recommendation
Cognitive behaviour therapy is one of the best treatments available for mild or moderate depression.
Key references
Churchill R, Hunot V, Corney R, Knapp M, McGuire H, Tylee A, Wessely S. A systematic review of controlled trials of the effectiveness of brief psychological treatments for depression. Health Technology Assessment 2001; 5: No. 35.
Gloaguen V, Cottraux J, Cucherat M, Blackburn IM. A meta-analysis of the effects of cognitive therapy in depressed patients. Journal of Affective Disorders 1998; 49: 59-72.