| Psychological treatment |
 |
Cognitive therapy
This is a more recent development, now used widely
in the treatment of depression. It aims to change
negative thought patterns which are believed to
contribute to depression and other problems. Unlike
the psychotherapeutic approach, it does not delve
into the past, but focuses on the present. Its features
include:
 |
Learning to monitor
negative self-talk such as "I can't
do that". Replacing it with "I don't
know if I can do that, but I will try"
will probably be more useful. |
| |
|
|
Recognising that there
is a connection between thought, mood and
behaviour. For example, thinking about
an enjoyable activity makes most people feel
and act happy. |
| |
|
|
Challenging your thinking.
. Are your usual 'knee-jerk reactions' a true
interpretation of the situation? For example,
you might always panic whenever you're late
for work. Why? Are you honestly likely to
lose your job? Is it really necessary to get
so worried? It might be possible to change
the way you interpret such situations in a
more realistic and less emotionally draining
way. |
Cognitive therapy is effective in dysthymia and
mild depression, but it takes effort and self-analysis
and might not be appropriate for more severe depression,
at least in the early stages of treatment.
|
