Verhaltenstherapie bei depressiven Störungen

Abstract

Cognitive behaviour therapy is one of the best evaluated and efficient methods of treating unipolar depression. It can well be combined with pharmacological treatment in case of crisis or severe depression. The article reports about diagnostical procedures and basic skills in facilitating a constructive therapeutic alliance. Furthermore four central theoretical as well as therapeutic approaches in cognitive behaviour therapy are discussed, which relate depressive states to (1) loss of response contingent reinforcement (loss of experienced internal control and of joy of life), (2) deficits in social competence (ability to refuse unreasonabel requests or to deal with interpersonal conflicts), (3) cognitive information processing and schemata (relating to self, others and future) and (4) problems of social relationships (family, social network). For the particular patient theses hypotheses have to be tested and lead to an individualized problem definition as well as to an individualized therapeutic approach. Central aspects of chronic depressions are discussed.

Keywords:

Anhedony, depression, cognitive behaviour therapy, chronic depression