A 26-year-old man with panic disorder undergoes CBT. The therapist asks him to breathe through a narrow straw and spin in a chair. Which CBT technique does this represent?
- A Systematic desensitization
- B Interoceptive exposure ✓
- C Cognitive restructuring
- D Response prevention
Correct answer: B. Interoceptive exposure
Explanation
Interoceptive exposure deliberately induces benign physical sensations (dizziness, palpitations, dyspnea) through exercises like straw breathing, spinning, or hyperventilation. This demonstrates to the patient that these somatic cues are not dangerous, breaking the fear-of-fear cycle central to panic disorder. It is distinct from in vivo or imaginal exposure.
Reference: Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry, 11th ed.
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