# Psychological treatment (depression)

> IB Psychology · IB Psychology 2027 First Assessment
> Source: https://www.owlsprep.com/study/ib-psychology-hwb-psychological-treatment-depression/

The explanation and effectiveness of one or more psychological treatments of one or more mental health disorders.

## Learning objectives

- The explanation and effectiveness of one or more psychological treatments of one or more mental health disorders.

## How often is this tested?

Based on OwlsPrep's analysis of official CIE IB_PSYCH P2 past papers (2019–2025): **Psychological treatment (depression)** appears **18 times** in the last 7 years — **6.2%** of all P2 questions (18 of 288).

Most-tested forms: Essay: Discuss (22 marks) (12), Essay: Evaluate (22 marks) (4), Essay: Contrast (22 marks) (2).

## Core concept

Psychological treatments treat a disorder by changing thoughts, behaviour or relationships rather than biochemistry. The leading example for depression is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which follows directly from the cognitive model: it helps patients identify and challenge the negative schemas and thinking patterns that maintain low mood, and build more adaptive behaviour. CBT can be delivered face-to-face or, increasingly, in computerised form to widen access. It is well supported, though evidence suggests it is often most powerful combined with medication, and cultural fit affects how well it transfers.

## Key studies

IB Psychology answers must be supported by named studies. Learn these to cite as evidence:

**TADS (2007)** — Fluoxetine, CBT, and their combination were all effective for adolescent depression; the combination gave the fastest short-term response. — *Controlled effectiveness evidence for CBT (the psychological arm) alongside and combined with medication.*

**Andrews et al. (2010)** — A meta-analysis found computerised CBT (CCBT) clearly better than control and comparable to face-to-face CBT, while using less therapist time. — *Supports CBT's effectiveness and shows a scalable delivery route that widens access.*

## Evaluation (AO3)

**Strength — targets the mechanism, scalable** — CBT targets the maintaining cause (negative cognition), has strong trial support (TADS, Andrews), and adapts to scalable delivery (CCBT).

**Limitation — effort, culture, and combination** — It demands effort and engagement, may suit some cultures and presentations better than others, and TADS shows combination with medication can outperform CBT alone.

## Scope

> **note**
>
> This card is the psychological treatment of a disorder (CBT for depression) and its effectiveness. The cognitive model it rests on is HWB_2; the biological treatment is HWB_8; prevention/treatment of non-disorder health problems is HWB_9.

## Common pitfalls

- **Wrong:** Presenting CBT as a universal cure and neglecting cultural fit or the value of combined treatment.
  - Why it fails: A frequently penalised misconception in IB Psychology exams.
  - Correct: Evaluate effectiveness honestly: CBT is effective but engagement-dependent and culturally variable, and TADS found combination therapy gave the fastest response — and address culture in treatment choices.

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