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Cognitive distortions can perpetuate anxiety symptoms from "summary" of Cognitive Therapy of Anxiety Disorders by David A. Clark,Aaron T. Beck
Cognitive distortions play a crucial role in perpetuating anxiety symptoms. When individuals engage in distorted thinking patterns, they often misinterpret situations as more threatening or dangerous than they actually are. This can lead to an increase in feelings of anxiety and a heightened sense of vulnerability. For example, a person with social anxiety may engage in mind reading, assuming that others are judging them negatively in social situations. This cognitive distortion can lead to increased anxiety and avoidance of social interactions, further reinforcing the belief that social situations are inherently threatening. Similarly, individuals with panic disorder may catastrophize physical sensations, interpreting them as signs of impending doom or a serious medical condition. This catastrophic thinking can trigger a panic attack and increase the individual's fear of experiencing future attacks, leading to a cycle of avoidance and heightened anxiety. Moreover, individuals with generalized anxiety disorder may engage in fortune telling, predicting negative outcomes in the future based on limited information. This cognitive distortion can lead to chronic worry and an inability to relax, perpetuating feelings of anxiety and distress.- Individuals can learn to reevaluate their thoughts and develop more balanced and realistic perspectives. This process can help to reduce anxiety symptoms and break the cycle of negative thinking that contributes to the maintenance of anxiety disorders. Ultimately, cognitive therapy aims to help individuals recognize and change these distorted thinking patterns in order to alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve overall well-being.
