A patient is receiving Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for panic disorder. During the session, the therapist asks the patient to identify the automatic thought 'If I feel dizzy, I will faint and die,' evaluates the evidence for and against it, and helps the patient develop an alternative interpretation. This specific CBT technique is called:

• A Cognitive restructuring (Socratic questioning) ✓
• B Systematic desensitization
• C Flooding (implosion therapy)
• D Habit reversal training

Explanation

Cognitive restructuring is the core CBT technique of identifying and challenging maladaptive automatic thoughts (cognitive distortions) by examining the evidence for and against them and generating more balanced alternative thoughts. The therapist uses Socratic questioning (guided discovery) to help the patient critically evaluate their thoughts rather than accepting them as facts. Systematic desensitization involves gradual exposure paired with relaxation. Flooding involves immediate full exposure to the feared stimulus. Habit reversal training is used for tic disorders and body-focused repetitive behaviors.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.