Which explanation for panic disorder would most likely be offered by a cognitive-behavioral theorist?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
A cognitive-behavioral theorist would explain panic disorder as resulting from catastrophic misinterpretations of bodily sensations, where individuals learn to fear and avoid harmless physical symptoms, which then triggers and maintains panic attacks.
Explanation (300 words):
Cognitive-behavioral theory (CBT) of panic disorder emphasizes the role of maladaptive thinking patterns and learned behaviors in the development and maintenance of the disorder. According to CBT, individuals with panic disorder tend to misinterpret normal bodily sensations as dangerous or life-threatening. For example, a slight increase in heart rate or shortness of breath may be perceived as a sign of an impending heart attack or loss of control.
These catastrophic interpretations lead to heightened anxiety and fear, which in turn produce more physical symptoms, creating a vicious cycle. This process is often called the “fear of fear.” Because the individual expects that bodily sensations will lead to a panic attack or disaster, they become hypervigilant and focus excessively on physical symptoms.
Additionally, CBT theorists believe that panic disorder develops through classical and operant conditioning. An initial panic attack might occur unexpectedly due to stress or physiological changes, but afterward, the individual learns to associate certain sensations, places, or situations with panic attacks (classical conditioning). As a result, these triggers cause anticipatory anxiety and fear of future attacks.
Operant conditioning also contributes: the person may avoid situations or activities that produce bodily sensations similar to those experienced during a panic attack (like exercise or crowded places). This avoidance reduces immediate anxiety but reinforces the fear over time, preventing the person from learning that these sensations are harmless and manageable.
In summary, a cognitive-behavioral theorist explains panic disorder as a disorder of faulty cognition—where normal bodily sensations are misinterpreted catastrophically—and learned avoidance behaviors that maintain the disorder. Treatment approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy target these distorted thoughts and avoidance behaviors to reduce panic symptoms and improve functioning.