Psychological treatment (depression)
IB Psychology· Health and well-being· 14 min read
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Scope
5. Common Pitfalls
Wrong move:
Presenting CBT as a universal cure and neglecting cultural fit or the value of combined treatment.
Why:
A frequently penalised misconception in IB Psychology exams.
Correct move:
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.
Going deeper
- Cognitive model of depressionCBT is built on the cognitive model of depression (HWB_2).
- Schema theorythe negative-schema target is schema theory (COG_8).
- Biological treatment (depression)biological treatment is the comparison and combination arm (HWB_8).