Behavioural formulation of depression

Analysis of the Second Conference on Cognitive Behaviour Modification

Abstract

Our country lacks epidemiological studies on the incidence of depression. Other countries have addressed this issue years ago. For example, in the United States, between four and eight million people suffer from depression requiring professional intervention. This results in an annual cost to the US government of between one and four trillion dollars in lost productivity and healthcare expenses (SELIGMAN, 1975, pp. 115–116).

These figures are sufficiently illustrative and, in our view, justify the initiative of the Centre for Research and Behavioural Therapy (CINTECO) in Madrid to organize a Second Conference on Cognitive Behaviour Modification, dedicated exclusively to the behavioral treatment of depression. We must thank the organizers for their efforts in enabling Dr. Lynn Rehm and Dr. Martin E. P. Seligman to deliver a six-day course in our country for psychology professionals.