Cognitive Therapy of Depression

Cognitive Therapy of Depression by Beck, A., A. Rush, B. Shaw, and G. Emert 1979. Guilford Press, NY This rather long, very detailed book is meant for professionals. However, many who suffer from depression can relate to much of what is described, especially in several chapters. This book was written in 1979 and many ideas we read about in self-help books originally came from these authors. It is widely accepted that Cognitive Therapy can control depression at least as good as antidepressants, and without all the chemical side effects that often occur. A recent study in the American Journal of Psychiatry revealed that many people stop taking their meds due to side effects and that medication often does not work especially the first time. Cognitive Therapy is a bright light for us depressives who do not get relief from medication or who suffer terrible side effects. In a chapter entitled "Focus on Target Symptoms" we are given methods that can quickly alleviate the disabling parts of depression. Contrary to what many believe, prolong discussion of feelings can intensify the feelings. Such excessive "ventilation" of feelings often strains relationships with friends and relatives. To deal with "overwhelming problems" the patient could be asked what solutions he would offer to another person in a similar situation. Although depressed patients do sleep less than other people, many patients exaggerate the extent of the insomnia. If a person said he was awake all night, he was probably in a light sleep for a good part of the time. Depressed persons tend to make broad categorical judgments and show a typical all-or-nothing response to bad events. A good exercise is to try to list some possible benefits. Of particular help is the chapter entitled "Depressogenic Assumptions." Depression is mostly a thinking disease. Cognitive therapy aims to correct negative thought patterns. This chapter goes to great depth explaining the many faulty beliefs that depressives cling to. Everyone with depressive moods will find themselves written about here. People who suffer frequent bouts of depression often hold high expectations for themselves; they believe that to be happy they must never make a mistake, must be accepted by all people at all times, and/or must be successful in whatever they attempt. These beliefs were acquired from childhood experiences or from the attitudes and opinions of peers or parents. A part of cognitive therapy is to identify the chief assumptions that lead people into depression. The patient must be actively involved in discovering these depression-producing ideas, simply pointing out dysfunctional thought processes is not effective. It must be noted that sometimes people have periods where their expectations are working; for example they may make the starting football team or make the cut for cheerleader. When experiencing success, the person is exuberant and becomes bonded to the idea of seeking high levels of success in order to be happy.

Beck's approach to treatment of depression is both innovative and of long standing value. Opening the book to any page I find examples readily useable for group and individual therapy. Clearly written and easily understood. Excellent for all psychiatric related professionals. Readily able to be used by all levels of caregivers.

Aaron T. Beck's "Depression" is regarded as a classic. Its emphasis is on the diagnosis and treatment of depression, including manic depression (bipolar disorder), and other affective (mood) disorders. There is much more detail regarding the diagnosis of affective disorders than one would find in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV). Of particular importance is the inclusion of the Beck Depression Index, a psychological test used to evaluate people for depression. People with a background in both mental health and psychological testing are familiar with the Beck Depression Index. A good portion of the book is devoted to the Beck Depression Indicator (as a subjective assessment medium). Additionally, Beck discusses patterns of behavior and the manifestation of depression in dreams.A portion of the book is devoted to theories of depression, dealing primarily with 20th century theories of depression. If you want to view depression in a historical context, there is nothing better than Jackson's "Melancholia and Depression." However, we digress at this point. We must remember that this work was copyrighted in 1967, and that there has been significant research on affective disorders since then. The discussion of psychopharmacological intervention does not discuss the selective seratonin reuptake inhibitors such as Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft. The work of Martin E. P. Seligman, also of the University of Pennsylvania, is not mentioned because it was not completed by the time of the release of this publication. The strongest appeal of this book is the use of cognitive therapy in the treatment of depression.This book has value to academic libraries, mental health professionals and students, as well as people who are interested in the study of depression and mood disorders. In addition, those who have a family member suffering from depression may be given an insight into the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder through reading this book. People who buy this book should also consider purchasing Martin E. P. Seligman's "Learned Optimism," as well as Jungian analyst Julia Kristeva's "Dark Sun."

This book is the most important book ever written in the field of cognitive therapy. Clearly written, informative, helpful to beginning and advanced clinicians, it is a classic. For anyone interested in learning how to conduct cognitive therapy, this book is simply required reading. Robert L. Leahy, Ph.D., Director, American Institute for Cognitive Therapy, NYC