Changes in indicators of cognitive processes in people with signs of depression as a result of psychological counseling according to the cognitive-behavioral approach protocol

• Черемискина Ирина Игоревна

  Irina I. Cheremiskina. Vladivostok State University. Vladivostok. Russia

The prevalence of depression in the Russian Federation is high; in 2015 it is almost 8 million people. There is an evidence in decrease of cognitive processes of people with depression, which impedes the recovery of patients. Understanding the characteristics of cognitive processes in people with depression can help develop preventative interventions and strategies to promote mental health.
The purpose of the study: to study and describe the dynamics of the properties of cognitive processes in people with depression as the result of psychological counseling using the method of cognitive behavioral therapy. In a comprehensive psychological study, we identified people with depression and in comparison with those who were not diagnosed with depression, they had reduced indicators of selectivity, distribution and switching of attention, which, in turn, may prevent them from switching to positive thoughts and events. The cognitive behavioral approach has long established itself in the treatment of depression. However, the question of the effectiveness of this approach in relation to the
properties of cognitive processes remains open. People with depression identified in the empirical study got help according to the protocol of this approach; as the result, their level of depression significantly decreased, their levels of selectivity, distribution and switching of attention significantly increased, and the rates of their working memory capacity of logical thinking increased. Consequently, therapy using this method helps to normalize the indicators of cognitive processes in people with depression.
Keywords: depression, cognitive processes, indicators of cognitive processes, changes in cognitive processes in depression, cognitive behavioral approach, people with signs of depression.