Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Major depressive disorder is a medical condition that can affect all aspects of life. In the text “Psychology in Everyday Life, Fourth Edition,” authors C. Nathan Dewall and David G. Meyers state that this disorder “occurs when at least five signs of depression last [for] two or more weeks” (p. 395). These signs of depression can include a significant change in mood, diminished concentration in activities, troubles with appetite or sleeping, a lack of energy, feelings of worthlessness and guilt, memory and concentration problems, or thoughts of death and suicide. This condition can have a major impact on one’s life.
Tiffany, a 28-year-old medical resident, has been experiencing many symptoms of this disorder and has not been herself for the …show more content…
One intervention that can be used with cognitive behavioral therapy is problem solving treatment. This intervention is described by James Bennett-Levy in the book “Oxford Guide to Low Intensity CBT Interventions” as a “structured psychological intervention that involves helping the patient create a problem list, identify a list of possible solutions, choose and plan to implement the best solution, and then evaluate the outcome” (p. 151). Problem solving treatment helps the client identify the problems, with hopes that the resolving of the problems will lessen the symptoms of depression. Another intervention that is used in this course of therapy is Socratic questioning. This method is described as “a therapist [asking] a series of carefully sequenced questions to help define problems” by Gavin Clark and Sarah Egan in their article “The Socratic Method in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: A Narrative Review.” This intervention is similar to the problem-solving treatment, but they differ slightly, as one is the client identifying the problems in their life and the other involves the therapist asking questions and using the answers to determine problems. Both are helpful in identifying problems and hopefully resolving them to lessen the effects of depression. A third intervention used in cognitive behavioral therapy is increasing physical activity in day to day life. Bennett-Levy states that “regular exercise reduces depression and anxiety…and enhances psychological well being and quality of life” (p. 160). This simple solution would minimize depressive symptoms, leading to an improved mood and outlook on life. Tiffany would benefit from all of these interventions, as they would each lead to a better quality of life while combatting depression, if

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