• Home
• Study
• Study Information
• Modules
• Module Information

Cognitive Behavioural Approaches to Mood Disorders

Module description

Mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder are prevalent and disabling conditions that result in marked individual suffering and functional impairment and significant costs to broader society. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach to treatment of mood disorders that has been widely implemented in the UK NHS, including via the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme.  By choosing this module you will develop an understanding and critical appreciation regarding core theoretical foundations of CBT and knowledge of key intervention techniques in CBT. You will be able to evaluate the evidence as to whether CBT is clinically- and cost- effective and gain an appreciation of the core research methodologies used in applied health care research.  There will be a particular focus on adult depression and bipolar depression treated using classic CBT and evaluation of the IAPT framework. However, the module will also examine novel ‘third wave’ CBT treatments (including mindfulness approaches and Augmented Depression Therapy developed in Exeter by the Mood Disorders Centre).You will be encouraged to try out CBT techniques in seminars and as homework to promote experiential learning. The module is led by clinical-academic psychologists working in the clinical research group who will be able to draw on both their own clinical practice and research experience to enrich the module. Individuals with lived-experience of mood disorders will also co-facilitate some sessions to provide a personal perspective on the pros and cons of CBT.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module builds on Stage 1 and 2 modules in abnormal, clinical psychology and related areas, making links between theoretical understanding surrounding areas of abnormal psychology and basic and applied knowledge regarding psychological interventions. It will familiarise you with an understanding of the theoretical principles and latest research evidence underlying CBT, introduce you to CBT forumulations and a range of CBT techniques employed in treatment, encourage you to critically evaluate current service delivery models, and experiment with applying your learning to real world problems.  Alongside enhancing your theoretical understanding, the module also aims to support you in developing a range of transferable skills including team working, presentation skills, and reflective practice. The module will also provide a forum to exploring, formulating and refining careers goals working in IAPT or clinical psychology.  

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Demonstrate a critical appreciation of epidemiological, applied and clinical knowledge relevant to the aetiology, maintenance and treatment of mood disorders, with a particular focus on depression.
• 2. Acquire detailed, systematic and comprehensive knowledge regarding the delivery of CBT for mood disorders, with a particular focus on depression.
• 3. Develop an appreciation of techniques used in CBT for the treatment of mood disorders

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. Demonstrate a critical appreciation of research and methodological approaches used in translational research, evaluate and analyse empirical evidence and assess the reliability of empirical evidence informing a theoretical evidence-base and applied practice
• 5. Review and critically evaluate published work at an advanced level and identify the strengths and weaknesses of this work to support conclusions at an advanced level
• 6. Address systematically complex problems at an advanced level which may be framed within unpredictable contexts, think critically, creatively and independently and fully appreciate the complexities of issues
• 7. Apply wider ethical issues relating to the subject and its application at an advanced level

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 8. Work professionally and effectively as part of a team to deliver an oral presentation
• 9. Manage own learning using the full range of resources of the clinical discipline and with minimum guidance
• 10. Engage in reflective practice to inform continual professional development

Syllabus plan

The Declarative-Procedural-Reflective (DPR; Bennett-Levy, 2006) pedagogic model associated with applied educational approaches will inform module delivery. Alongside a focus on theoretical (Declarative) information to achieve Intended Learning Objectives (ILOs) 1-7, there will also be a commitment to the development of transferable (Procedural) skills such as group working, debate, and presentations (ILOs 1-10). Time will also be provided for reflective practice (Reflection) to help consolidate your knowledge and enable you to continue your own personal development (ILO 10).

Indicative topics that may be covered include:  

• Epidemiology of mood disorders
• Lived experience of mood disorders
• CBT theory and other theoretical models of depression
• Evaluating the CBT model for depression
• Evaluating CBT as a treatment for depression
• Evaluating IAPT as a platform for service delivery
• Relapse Prevention using Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy
• Augmented Depression Therapy as an example of treatment development
• CBT theory and other theoretical models of bipolar disorder
• Evaluating CBT as a treatment for bipolar disorder
• Exploring clinical psychology career options and revision

Teaching methods will include lectures, but also group, pair and individual exercises (including experiential practice of CBT techniques). At the start of the module you will be assigned to small groups, and each group will give one brief presentation at some point during the seminar series. Each seminar will follow a similar pattern of delivery. Generally each seminar (apart from the first) will start with a presentation from one of the groups on their reaction to the material in the previous seminar. The seminar will then provide a theoretical and/or applied overview of the seminar topic and an interactive activity. These activities will include discussion, observation, undertaking common cognitive behavioural techniques, or applying what you have learnt into the real world in application exercises.

In addition to attending these sessions, you are also expected to undertake private study in preparation for each of these sessions (using self-directed learning resources in ELE for the module).

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Two assessments are required for this module. For the examination and essay, the reassessment will be the same as the original assessment. Where you have been referred/deferred in the examination you will have the opportunity to take a second examination in the August re-assessment period. This will constitute 60% of the module. Where you have been referred/deferred in the essay you will be required to resubmit the essay. This will constitute 40% of the module. Deferred marks are not capped; referred marks are capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

There are no set course texts for this module given that a lot of the required reading will be from published journal articles. Many of the articles will be included within modules folders on ELE or have their links included. However, there are a  number of CBT ebooks available from  the library that will provide a good introductory background to many of the areas covered which can be consulted, including: 

• Gotlib, I. H. and Hammen, C. L. (2014). Handbook of depression: third edition. New York: Guilford Press.
• Jones, S. H., & Bentall, R. P. (2006). The psychology of bipolar disorder. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Power, M. (2013). The Wiley-Blackwell handbook of mood disorders (2nd edition). Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE page: https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=10302
  

Key words search

Clinical psychology, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Mood Disorders, psychological interventions