Cognitive Behavioral Therapy In The Treatment Of Unipolar Depression: A Case Report

Abstract

The case report in the study was interviewed in the perspective of cognitive behavioral therapy with a 21-year-old client who showed symptoms of unipolar depression (major) disorder according to DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. The client emphasized that he felt unhappy and tired, could not enjoy anything, had decreased sleep, increased appetite, and had suicidal attempts along with constant suicidal thoughts. The client stated that he had these symptoms in his previous life, but he had recently increased his crying and sought professional support. Psychoeducation was applied to improve and develop the skills of coping with the client in cognitive therapy, controlling their behavior and taking their own responsibility. Determining and changing negative automatic thoughts and creating alternative thoughts together with determining and changing intermediate beliefs have been ensured to gain awareness of the phenomenon. However, the subject said that he could not enjoy anything and that there were decreases in his social relations. Behavioral assignments and exercises given to the patient during the interviews caused these thoughts to decrease. In addition, behavioral techniques for insomnia and increased appetite were taught and homework was given. In line with the interviews, it was concluded that the client's thinking changed according to the first interview, and behavioral changes resulted. It is thought that this case report, which details the psychotherapy process using only cognitive behavioral therapy methods, including the client's formulations and interventions limited to unipolar depression, will contribute to the literature.