The article, “A Growing Challenge”, depicts the problem of the increasing trends in mental illnesses among college students. Brown utilizes information gathered from Boston University studies as well as others to support the increasing trends. The article includes forewarning signs that may show a students need to seek help and adds information about the cause for the recent increase in depression and anxiety. For example, the author incorporates a list of signs that may suggest a need for help; the list includes phrases such as, “not taking care of themselves”, “increasing substance abuse”, and “withdrawal from social contact” (Brown par. 9). The research of Carrie Lander, the director of Behavioral Medicine, was also used to better explain the issue being highlighted in Brown’s article. Lander believes that there are many factors that play a role in the rising trends, but it is generally due to a generation shift, overprotective parents, social media, and many other social changes (Brown par. 16, 17, …show more content…
Lyford writes the article to inform others of new research about the effectiveness of CBT. The author explains that CBT has been thought to be effective for decades, but the recent research suggests that it is not as effective as it once was in the past. Many of the recent studies suggest the CBT is inconsistent and may be just as unsuccessful as other psychological therapies for those dealing with depression and anxiety. Two experts included in the article, Johnsen and Friborg, even stated that reducing the symptoms in patients is not the equivalent of being cured for good (Lyford par. 4). The author also explains that the inconsistences in the results can be due to several different factors, one being that there are various forms of CBT and some use a less effective approach than others. Lastly, Lyford explains that there is no definite answer as to why cognitive behavioral therapy is not as effective as it was before, but he does address that CBT, along with any other form of psychotherapy, is not a quick, simple fix for a mental illness (par.