In Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for panic disorder, the specific cognitive technique addressing the patient's catastrophic misinterpretation of bodily sensations (e.g., 'rapid heartbeat means I am having a heart attack') is called:

• A Cognitive restructuring / Socratic questioning ✓
• B Thought stopping
• C Systematic desensitization
• D Aversion therapy

Explanation

Cognitive restructuring using Socratic questioning challenges the automatic negative thought (e.g., catastrophic misinterpretation of palpitations as a heart attack) by examining evidence for and against, generating alternative explanations. Thought stopping is a behavioural technique for intrusive thoughts. Systematic desensitization uses graduated exposure with relaxation for phobias. Aversion therapy pairs unwanted behaviour with unpleasant stimuli.

Reference: Kaplan & Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 11th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.