The Impact of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on Depression
Abstract Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a well-established treatment for depression. The following article reviews CBT’s effectiveness, compares it to other treatments, and explores its applications across different populations. Introduction Depression is a widespread mental health issue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 280 million people worldwide suffer from depression. CBT, developed by Aaron T. Beck, who was a psychiatrist in the 1960’s and CBT targets negative thought patterns to treat depression. It is known for its structured approach, which includes cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and skills training. Effectiveness of CBT Research shows CBT significantly reduces depressive symptoms. A meta-analysis by Cuijpers et al. (2016) found CBT highly effective, with benefits comparable to or greater than those of medication and other therapies. CBT's benefits in treating depression include effective symptom reduction, long-term
