COGNITIVE MODIFICATION WITH DEPRESSION-PRONE PSYCHIATRIC-PATIENTS

This research examined modifying specific maladaptive covert language patterns in depression-prone psychiatric outpatients. Five cognitive processes that seemed to activate depressive covert and overt language patterns were defined. These processes were (1) self-evaluation, (2) self-reporting of affect, (3) reaction to stress, (4) choice making, and (5) assuming nonpunitive responsibility for behavior. Patients were taught to reduce maladaptive covert language patterns related to the five target cognitive processes, while learning more adaptive covert patterns. Twenty moderately depressed adult psychiatric outpatients were randomly assigned either to a cognitive modification condition or to a waiting condition consisting of medication and support. Subsequent to treatment and at 6-month follow-up, patients receiving cognitive modification treatment were rated as less depressed, saw themselves as less depressed, and elicited more adaptive, nondepressive verbalizations concerning their own mental status than did patients receiving medication and support only. Implications of the results for the assessment and treatment of depression are discussed. © 1979 Plenum Publishing Corporation.