This work considers the recent scientific journal article “The effectiveness of a CBT-based intervention for depression symptoms with a female forensic inpatient with cognitive disability and autism.” by Ashworth, Bamford, & Tully. In this article, a female patient who has a history of self-harming and violent behavior, currently detained in a medium secure inpatient forensic clinic, has been diagnosed with an Intellectual Disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (Ashworth et al. 432). The patient suffered from cognitive rigidity, intolerance to change, emotional dysregulation, instability of mood, and depression-like symptoms, which are most likely caused by her ASD (Ashworth et al. 432). Therefore, she has been referred to participate in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), which has demonstrated efficacy within forensic mental health settings.
A meta-analysis that examined the effectiveness of CBT-focused interventions for patients with ASD and comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorder was carried out. The results indicated that when standard CBT protocol is modified with career or parental involvement, personalized treatment metaphors, self-monitoring, use of visuals, clear language, and positive reinforcement, the effectiveness increases (Ashworth et al. 433). Individuals who show anxiety, anger, and depression have shown the efficacy of talking therapies like CBT (Ashworth et al. 433). Unfortunately, there is not sufficient research on the efficacy of CBT due to a historical lack of evaluations. According to Ashworth et al., social learning theory is the root of cognitive behavioral therapy. It suggests that the forensic patient’s behavior may have been learned throughout the lifespan.
The article reveals in detail the importance of cognitive behavioral therapy in clinical settings. CBT can help identify client areas of risk, recidivism rates, and criminal behaviors that trigger thought patterns (Ashworth et al. 436). Recognizing these lifestyle habits, such as relationships, unhealthy eating, and daily routine, helps to better understand the patient’s social and antisocial behavior (Ashworth et al. 446). CBT has been shown to be effective for mental health, patients can learn to manage their emotions, which can help overcome adjustment difficulties through better conflict resolution.
The tone of the article is informative and objective, throughout the text the authors maintain an academic and scientific mood. The authors are researchers and scientists specializing in psychology and health. The level of their education is a Ph.D., which contributes to an objective analysis, since all authors have a degree in psychology and behavioral sciences. The general argument of the article is detailed and supported by evidence in each section of the article. The proof of the thesis is organized and structured, nothing disturbs the flow of thought. The authors provide evidence and information to support their arguments. The language level of the work makes it accessible for study in the scientific community, as well as for conveying information to people outside the scientific community.
There are no signs of prejudice, complexes, or argumentative errors in the article. The authors objectively present information, which is based on their own analysis and previous conclusions in the study of the topic. As mentioned earlier, the source is a peer-reviewed scientific publication found in the database of the National Library of Medicine, PMC. This type of source is considered high quality, trustworthy and reliable as it goes through a rigorous peer review process to ensure the accuracy and quality of the information provided. The article cites various scientific studies and other sources to support its argument and provide the reader with additional information. Quotations are of high quality and relevant to the topic under discussion, only trustworthy sources with information relevant at the time of writing the article are used. The structure of the article is well organized and easy to read. The writing style is efficient and academic. Authors give a clear and concise overview of the topic and present information in a form that is easily understood by readers.
In conclusion, this article is a high-quality and reliable peer-reviewed scientific publication that provides valuable information on cognitive disability and autism interventions among female forensic inpatients. The mood and the tone follow typical customs of academic writing. It provides informative and factual descriptions of practical research information. In addition, the reliability of the findings is warranted by the rigorous peer-review process of the academic journal where the article was published.
Work Cited
Ashworth, Sarah, et al. “The Effectiveness of a CBT-Based Intervention for Depression Symptoms with a Female Forensic Inpatient with Cognitive Disability and Autism.” The Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, vol. 31, no. 3, 2020, pp. 432–454,