Trevor's heart was pounding after he ran up three flights of stairs. He immediately began to think he might be having a heart attack, which made him even more physically aroused, and this, in turn, made him more panicky. According to the _____, Trevor may be a victim of his own illogical thinking and may be misinterpreting and exaggerating normal physical sensations.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The catastrophic cognitions theory of panic disorder suggests that panic attacks are triggered by misinterpreting and exaggerating normal physical sensations, leading to a cycle of panic and anxiety. Trevor's immediate assumption that he may be having a heart attack is an example of catastrophizing thinking.

Trevor's Heart Was Pounding After He Ran Up Three Flights