Behavioural+Therapy

Behavioural theories of depression postulate that depression is a result of a stressor that disrupts the individual’s normal patterns of behaviour, which reduces the level of “response contingent positive reinforcement”(Antonuccio). Without an effective reversal of this reinforcing pattern, the individual will experience higher levels of self awareness which leads to a higher susceptibility towards self-criticism and behavioural withdrawal (Antonuccio). Behavioural therapies for depression focus on increasing these positive reinforcers and decreasing the number of negative/aversive experiences by way of teaching the individual new ways of interacting with their environment and other people (Nolen-Hoeksema & Rector, 2008, p.325)

There has been evidence that depressed individuals report lower rates of pleasant activities and the pleasure gained from them (Antonuccio). Further, during the depressed phase, social skills will often lessen and contribute more to the depressive symptoms (Antonuccio). Typically, behavioural therapies are designed to be brief, averaging around 12 weeks in duration (Nolen-Hoeksema & Rector, 2008, p.325).

The first phase of behavioural therapy as it relates to the treatment of depression typically involves an analysis of how specific situations or conditions are connected to the patient’s symptoms (Nolen-Hoeksema & Rector, 2008, p.325). Specifically, focusing on situations when they feel the worst, or if there are any situations where they feel better(Nolen-Hoeksema & Rector, 2008, p.325). In this way, the therapist can narrow in on the behaviours and patterns of interacting that are most relevant to reducing the patient’s symptoms (Nolen-Hoeksema & Rector, 2008, p.325).Once the therapist and patient have identified which conditions precipitate the depressive symptoms, the patient and therapist work together to explore various strategies that will aid in making necessary changes in their life (Nolen-Hoeksema & Rector, 2008, p.325).The strategies typically fall into 3 different categories:
 * “Change aspects of the environment that are related to the depressive symptoms”
 * Teach the depressed individual skills to change their negative circumstances, particularly social interactions
 * Teach patient mood-management skills that can be used in unpleasant situations, such as relaxation techniques (Nolen-Hoeksema & Rector, 2008, p.325).

A specific behavioural therapy known as the Coping With Depression (CWD) course teaches social skills and relaxation training in much the same fashion; the addition of a group component to this course also increases its efficacy, and the course has proven to achieve comparable levels of short term treatment outcome and has achieved better long term outcomes than antidepressant medications (Antonuccio).