Dr. Keith Dobson: Major Depressive Disorder

Thoughts on Record: Podcast of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

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Despite being among the most common of mental disorders that a clinician is likely to encounter, major depressive disorder presents both the client and therapist with a considerable amount of complexity and nuance to navigate with respect to conceptualization and treatment. Leading international expert in major depressive disorder, Dr. Keith Dobson, joins us for an in-depth exploration of depression where were cover:

• a brief overview of what depression is and how it affects individuals
• features of depression to be aware of that do not necessarily fall within the diagnostic framework but that would nonetheless be useful for clinicians to keep in mind when assessing clients
• how depression is conceptualized from a cognitive behavioural perspective
• the developmental experiences that might predispose someone towards depression
• consideration of “at-risk” temperaments associated with development of depression
• the evolutionary origins of depression
• exploring the concept of complicated grief vs. depression
• some of Dr. Dobson's reflections on the conceptualization of depression based on his extensive experience in studying depression
• gender and depression
• challenges related to differential diagnosis
• discussing medication with client in the context of psychotherapy
• depression in the context of trauma
• gold-standard psychotherapy for depression and the integration of stepped care principles

Dr. Dobson's is a Professor Emeritus of Clinical Psychology at the University of Calgary, where he has served in roles such as Head of Psychology and Director of the Clinical Psychology program. His research has focused on both cognitive models and mechanisms in depression, and the treatment of depression, particularly using cognitive-behavioural therapies. He is also a Principal Investigator for the Opening Minds program of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, with a focus on stigma reduction related to mental disorders in the workplace. Further, he has written about developments in professional psychology and ethics and has been actively involved in various organizations, having served as President of the Canadian Psychological Association, the Academy of Cognitive Therapy, the International Association for Cognitive Psychotherapy, and the Canadian Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies. He has also received numerous prestigious academic awards and was recently named as an Officer of the Order of Canada.