Which orientation emphasizes changing thought patterns to treat depression?

Which orientation emphasizes changing thought patterns to treat depression?

• A. Psychodynamic therapy
• B. Biological approaches
• C. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• D. Biochemical treatments

Answer: (C)

Changing thought patterns to treat depression is the hallmark of cognitive-behavioral therapy. This approach targets how people think about themselves and their world—identifying negative automatic thoughts and cognitive distortions, and actively challenging and reframing them to be more accurate and helpful. Therapists teach skills like cognitive restructuring and behavioral activation, and assign homework to practice between sessions. The goal is to alter the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to lift mood and reduce depressive symptoms, often by testing beliefs against reality and increasing engagement in rewarding activities. Other orientations focus on different mechanisms. Psychodynamic approaches emphasize unresolved conflicts and early experiences rather than current thought patterns. Biological and biochemical treatments aim to change brain chemistry, not directly modify cognitions.

Changing thought patterns to treat depression is the hallmark of cognitive-behavioral therapy. This approach targets how people think about themselves and their world—identifying negative automatic thoughts and cognitive distortions, and actively challenging and reframing them to be more accurate and helpful. Therapists teach skills like cognitive restructuring and behavioral activation, and assign homework to practice between sessions. The goal is to alter the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to lift mood and reduce depressive symptoms, often by testing beliefs against reality and increasing engagement in rewarding activities.

Other orientations focus on different mechanisms. Psychodynamic approaches emphasize unresolved conflicts and early experiences rather than current thought patterns. Biological and biochemical treatments aim to change brain chemistry, not directly modify cognitions.