Potentially Helpful for Depression, Behavioral Activation
Depression may make even the smallest of tasks seem insurmountable, making it hard for depressed people to get the things done that they know they should. The process of progressing through life is often difficult and unpleasant. Going from middle school to high school to college, or even from one career to another, is a time of adjustment for the majority of people. However, dealing with these situations might become even more challenging when you're depressed. They are just as capable as anyone else, regardless of this. They have trouble dealing with life's reality due to a lack of self-assurance or an ability to imagine the worst-case scenario.
The good news is that a recent study found that depression may be effectively treated with the correct combination of coaching, encouragement, and knowledge. Psychologists at the University of Washington studied compared four approaches to treating depression: cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavioral activation, antidepressant medication, and a placebo.
One hundred fifty patients diagnosed with serious depression were randomly allocated to one of four treatment groups. Behavioral activation (BA) patients were just as effective as antidepressant patients after four months. The findings caught everyone off guard. The most effective therapies for depression, according to standards, are antidepressants and cognitive therapy. Fewer patients who used antidepressants discontinued treatment after using BA, suggesting that BA was superior than the pill. Among the most interesting findings was the fact that BA seemed to work better than cognitive treatment on people with severe depression.
Patients are not instructed to "just do it" in behavioral activation. More than anything else, it's a method for getting depressed people to do the things they normally avoid. Those who support this approach to treatment acknowledge that it is effective since individuals suffering from depression often avoid circumstances that give them stress. They acquire some respite in a relatively short amount of time since they avoid the pain of dealing with difficult challenges. However, they do not reap the benefits either. A man suffering from depression, for instance, would call in sick to avoid an argument with a coworker. Nevertheless, he fails to experience the fulfillment that may arise from successfully completing his tasks and ultimately making a livelihood. By avoiding the issue altogether, the original problem remains unaffected. When we do nothing, our issues just become worse, and our melancholy gets deeper, making it harder to drag ourselves out of bed every morning.
The idea underlying behavior analysis (BA) is not to put the blame or guilt on the individual. Individuals suffering from depression often avoid things that they could enjoy and miss out on the joy that comes from living life to the fullest. Patients with depression are encouraged to gradually raise their activity levels and follow a daily routine in order to maximize their pleasure of life and alleviate their symptoms. The role of therapists is to break the pattern of negative, self-critical thinking that is common among depressed people. They focus on the here and now while also taking steps that will get them closer to their long-term objectives. The third component of BA is the development of better problem-solving abilities.
Cognitive therapists spend more time studying depressed patients' negative and distorted thoughts and self-defeating beliefs than behavior therapists do. The cognitive therapy paradigm states that one must first alter their thoughts before they can alter their actions. The therapist instructs the patient to refrain from overthinking things in behavior therapy models like the BA approach. Instead of concentrating on the daunting overall picture, smaller-scale tactics like goal-setting, problem-solving, and doing the work at hand take center stage. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method that intentionally combines the two techniques, and it has been strongly associated with these two for a long time.
Prioritizing "getting in touch with your feelings" over "just doing it" will not lead to a more fulfilling and joyful life. The majority of the time, the solution is intermediate. Nobody wants to be a robot who never feels anything. It could be more beneficial to shift your focus from negative to positive thoughts and sensations if you want to improve your functioning. Adherents of BA instruct their patients to become self-aware when they find themselves lost in idle thoughts and redirect their attention to the sensory details occurring in the here and now. Once your functioning improves, you will be in a better position to analyze your negative thoughts and get insight into why they were so pervasive. It is not simple for someone who is depressed to take the initiative to do something. Consequently, a therapist's role is similar to that of a motivating coach or personal trainer; they must help their patients see the value in pushing through tough times. While the University of Washington study found behavioral activation to be the most effective treatment for depression, it should not be used in place of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and antidepressant medication as the initial line of defense. Evidence from this study supports the use of BA as part of a holistic approach to treating depression, particularly the most severe types. There is no clear winner among the available methods. Patients may have the best chance of feeling better and doing better if treatments are combined.
