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Cognitive therapy with depressed inpatients: specific effects on dysfunctional cognitions
M A Whisman1, I W Miller, W H Norman
1Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|April 1, 1991
Summary
Cognitive therapy significantly reduced hopelessness and cognitive biases in depressed patients compared to standard treatment alone. These cognitive changes persisted for up to 12 months, indicating lasting benefits beyond symptom severity.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Background:
- Depression is often associated with dysfunctional cognitions.
- Cognitive therapy aims to modify these maladaptive thought patterns.
- The specificity of cognitive changes induced by therapy requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the specificity of cognitive changes following cognitive therapy for depression.
- To compare cognitive changes in patients receiving standard treatment versus standard treatment plus cognitive therapy.
Main Methods:
- 39 depressed inpatients were assigned to either standard inpatient treatment or standard treatment plus cognitive therapy.
- Cognitive distortions, hopelessness, and dysfunctional attitudes were measured posttreatment and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups.
Main Results:
- Both groups showed reduced dysfunctional cognitions on some measures.
- Cognitive therapy patients reported significantly less hopelessness and fewer cognitive biases.
- Cognitive therapy patients also showed fewer dysfunctional attitudes at 6-month follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive therapy leads to specific improvements in cognitive distortions beyond general treatment effects.
- These cognitive benefits are maintained over time.
- The findings suggest cognitive therapy is effective in targeting maladaptive thinking in depression.