Utility and Clinical Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in Treating Common Mental Disorders

Running head: MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
Mental health nursing
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1MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
The prevalence of people with mental illness has increased and the introduction of
diagnostic criteria for mental disorders has enhanced the screening process to rapidly identify
patients with mental issues. Apart from pharmacological interventions for treatment of mental
disorders, psychotherapeutic approach has gained wide popularity in the field of mental health
for its utility in addressing needs of people with mental health problems. Psychotherapy has
found acceptance in both short and long-term management of psychiatric disorders (Barth et al.,
2016). Psychotherapeutic approach like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), solution-focused
brief therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness based stress reduction are
often used as primary treatment of choice for patients with depression, major compulsive
disorder and personality disorder. Psychotherapeutic approach also allows mental health nurse to
identify factors that is needed for the recovery of patient. Each type of psychotherapeutic
approach is based on different theories and assumptions. These theoretical aspects are
implemented during interaction with patient to influence their thoughts and behaviour (Abbass et
al., 2014). The main purpose of this essay is to provide a brief description about CBT and
method by which it is delivered to target population group. The essay also provides a critical
discussion on the effectiveness of CBT in reduce signs and symptoms of mentally ill patients.
CBT is a short-term goal oriented psychotherapeutic approach which focuses on
changing the patterns of thinking of people and treating people suffering from wide range of
mental health problems like depression, anxiety disorder, substance abuse and personality
disorder. It is based on the basis assumption that cognitive factors like faulty thought patterns
play a role in mental illness and this maladaptive cognition in an individual lead to emotional
distress and behavioural issues (Hofmann et al., 2012). Maladaptive cognitions include irrational
or illogical beliefs about the world or events occurring giving rise to specific thoughts in

2MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
different situations. It uses both cognitive and behavioural approach to modify dysfunctional
thinking and promote positive behavioural change in patient. It incorporates cognitive,
behavioural and emotion focused techniques to focus on cognitive and emotional components of
mental disorder and promote recovery in patient. Just like other form of psychiatric treatment,
the main aim of CBT is to improve function, reduce symptoms and prevent remission of issues in
patient. The success of the therapy is dependent on the patient as they need to be actively
involved with the psychotherapist and engage in collaborative problem-solving process (Johnsen
& Friborg, 2015).
CBT is used particularly with patients who suffer from negative thinking and
inappropriate behaviour because of the diagnosis of mental disorders like depression, post
traumatic stress disorder and personality disorder. Twomey, O’reilly & Byrne, M. (2014) gives
the evidence that CBT is effective for common mental health problem like anxiety and
depression. It is also used to treat people who suffer from behavioural problem because of post
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a mental health condition associated with psychiatric
morbidity and reduced quality of life because of exposure to trauma or traumatic life events.
Trauma focused CBT is delivered to patients with PTSD and psychotherapist delivering the
intervention mainly focuses on providing education to patient regarding common reactions to
trauma and the method needed to modify cognitive distortions. CBT technique is also favoured
because it is a short term structured technique that can be delivered for six-10 months and it can
be delivered in various formats like face-to-face session, telephone and computerised format
(Kar, 2011). It can be provided in variety of settings too such as community center, mental health
clinics, patient home and schools. Currently CBT is being delivered online too and Titov et al.

3MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
(2017) gives the evidence the evidence that CBT is effective and cost-effective when delivered
online too.
CBT is implemented by using cognitive model as a framework to understand presenting
problems in client. The main focus is engage in proper communication with clients to understand
their presenting issues, current way of thinking and behaviour. Based on the interpretation of
current thought pattern, the therapist take the approach to equip clients with all knowledge
regarding the approach they can adapt to change their maladaptive cognitive and behavioural
patterns (Dattilio & Hanna, 2012). To achieve this, adapting collaborative and problem oriented
approach to care is important as this can only help to foster an environment for active
engagement of client in the therapy. Entering into proper collaboration with patient is the first
step of the therapy and this involves adapting communication techniques like rapport building,
empathy and active listening to establish therapeutic relationship with client and work towards
identification of maladaptive thought pattern and behaviour (Fenn & Byrne, 2013). Another
uniqueness of CBT is that it gives emphasis to the evaluation of present and current problems for
patient. According, therapists engaging in mutually agreed goal setting process so that current
state of mind of patient can be addressed.
Furthermore, cognitive and behavioural techniques are applied during the therapy to
change and address negative thought patterns in client. After getting an understanding about the
patient’s perception regarding his illness, therapist can use ‘guided recovery’ as an approach to
help client discover alternative methods to interpret an event. The therapist can use probing
questions like ‘What do you think caused... ?’ and ‘What is the alternative method to look at the
same situation?’ to introduce patients to alternative method of thinking about an event in life
(Fenn & Byrne, 2013). Apart from cognitive techniques, behavioural techniques like activity