A client diagnosed with a panic disorder is taught to identify and challenge their catastrophic thinking patterns and practice relaxation techniques during anxious episodes. This therapeutic approach, which focuses on modifying dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors, is known as:

1. A

   Psychoanalytic Therapy

2. B

   Interpersonal Therapy

3. C

   Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

4. D

   Group Therapy

Appeared in: NORCET 9 Prelims-2025

Explanation

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• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a goal-oriented psychotherapy that focuses on the interconnectedness of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
• A core component of CBT is cognitive restructuring, which involves identifying, evaluating, and changing unhelpful or distorted thoughts, such as the 'catastrophic thinking' mentioned in the question.
• CBT also incorporates behavioral strategies, such as practicing relaxation techniques, deep breathing, and exposure exercises, to help manage the physical symptoms of anxiety and change maladaptive behaviors.
• The therapy is problem-focused and aims to equip the client with practical coping skills to manage specific challenges like panic attacks.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: Psychoanalytic therapy focuses on exploring unconscious drives and resolving conflicts rooted in past experiences, particularly childhood. It does not primarily use structured techniques to challenge current thoughts and behaviors.
• Option B: Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) centers on resolving interpersonal problems and improving relationships. The focus is on external relationship contexts, not on internal cognitive distortions like catastrophic thinking.
• Option D: Group therapy describes the setting or format in which therapy is delivered, not the specific therapeutic model being used. While CBT can be conducted in a group format, 'Group Therapy' itself is not the name of the approach described.

Related Visual

• Visual 1: Diagram - The CBT Triangle. An infographic showing the interconnected relationship between 'Thoughts,' 'Feelings,' and 'Behaviors,' illustrating how a change in one area can influence the others.
• Visual 2: Flowchart - Steps in Challenging a Catastrophic Thought. A simple flowchart showing: 1. Identify the automatic negative thought -> 2. Examine the evidence for/against it -> 3. Consider alternative, more balanced thoughts -> 4. Observe the change in feeling.

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Psychotherapeutic Modalities for Anxiety Disorders as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• Nurses play a crucial role in reinforcing CBT principles. In any clinical setting, a nurse can help a patient with anxiety by reminding them to use their CBT skills, such as challenging a worried thought or practicing deep breathing.
• Patient education is key. Nurses can explain the rationale behind CBT, helping patients understand that their thoughts are just thoughts, not facts, and that they have the power to change their reactions.
• Monitoring and support are vital. A nurse can help a patient track their progress, celebrate small victories, and provide encouragement when the patient faces setbacks in practicing their new skills.

How to Approach the Question

• First, carefully read the question stem and identify the key actions and concepts described. The key phrases here are 'identify and challenge... catastrophic thinking' and 'practice relaxation techniques.'
• Recognize that these are two distinct components: a cognitive part (challenging thoughts) and a behavioral part (practicing a skill).
• Next, evaluate each option based on its core definition.
• Psychoanalytic therapy deals with the past/unconscious. This doesn't match.
• Interpersonal therapy deals with relationships. This doesn't match.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy explicitly combines cognitive and behavioral techniques. This is a perfect match.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Psychotherapeutic Modalities for Anxiety Disorders
• Stem keywords: panic disorder, catastrophic thinking, relaxation techniques, modifying dysfunctional thoughts, modifying behaviors
• Lead-in keywords: is known as

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Q2SFdGu11ne7LsS3RTlYac

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