The Cognitive Model Thinking BehaviourEmotion Perception Information Behaviour CognitionReal World

Cognition & Depression Depression results from systematic negative bias in thinking processes Emotional, behavioural (and physical?) symptoms result from cognitive abnormality –Depressed cognitive triad –Silent assumptions –Faulty thinking strategies

Depressed Cognitive Triad The Self ExperiencesThe Future

Silent Assumptions Grounding assumptions operating an a semi-conscious level: –‘I must get people’s approval’ –‘I must do things perfectly’ –‘I must always be valued by others’ –‘The world must be fair and just’

Faulty Thinking Systematic negative bias in information processing: –Arbitrary inference –Selective thinking –Overgeneralisation –Catastrophising –Personalising –Black and white thinking

Cognition & Depression Some hypotheses: –Depressed patients think differently to clinically normal people –Changes in thinking precede the onset of depressed mood –Changing thinking patterns can reduce or remove depressed symptoms (NB treatment- aetiology fallacy)