Cognitive therapy is used for?

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2021

Explanation

Cognitive Therapy (CT) is a first-line psychotherapeutic treatment for depression, with an efficacy comparable to antidepressant medications.
It was developed by Aaron Beck and is based on the theory that distorted thinking patterns (cognitive distortions) are central to the development and maintenance of depression.
The therapy specifically targets the 'cognitive triad' of depression: pervasive negative thoughts about oneself, the world, and the future.
The goal is to help patients identify these automatic negative thoughts, evaluate their validity, and replace them with more realistic and adaptive thinking.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

Option A: The primary treatment for mania, an episode of bipolar disorder, is pharmacological, using mood stabilizers like lithium or valproate.
Option B: Paranoia involves intense, irrational suspicion and is often a symptom of psychotic disorders like schizophrenia or delusional disorder. The first-line treatment is antipsychotic medication.
Option D: Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder characterized by symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and negative symptoms. The cornerstone of treatment is antipsychotic medication.

Related Visual

An infographic illustrating Becks Cognitive Triad for Depression, showing the interconnected negative views of the Self, the World, and the Future, with examples for each.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Primary indication for Cognitive Therapy helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses can utilize basic principles of cognitive therapy in patient interactions by encouraging them to identify and reframe negative self-talk, which can improve mood and coping.
Understanding that depression is maintained by thought patterns highlights the importance of psychoeducation. Nurses can explain to patients how therapy works alongside medication to treat the condition comprehensively.
Assessing for the cognitive triad (hopelessness, helplessness, worthlessness) is a crucial nursing function in identifying suicide risk in depressed patients.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is 'Cognitive therapy'.
Recall the primary psychiatric condition for which this specific therapy was developed and is most widely recognized as a first-line treatment.
Evaluate each option based on this knowledge. Consider whether CT is a primary or an adjunctive therapy for each condition.
While CT/CBT has applications in many disorders, it is most strongly and primarily associated with depression.
Select the option that represents the main and most established indication for cognitive therapy.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Primary indication for Cognitive Therapy
Stem keywords: Cognitive therapy, used for
Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE
Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

Q93Q9MQMiDXHDL8LJrPgK3

Reference Book

E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) pp. 9763-9765, 14832-14834

E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) p. 2418-2420

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