Catastrophic thoughts

What are catastrophic thoughts?

Catastrophic thoughts are interpretations where a person assumes the worst will happen or exaggerates the consequences of negative events. It is a type of cognitive bias common in anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety and panic disorder, but also other mental health conditions. It can lead to worrying, trying to control situations and events, and experiencing physical symptoms. This can be helped in treatment.

According to Beyond Blue, 3 million Australians are living with anxiety. Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia. 1 in 4 people will experience anxiety at some stage in their life.

Is catastrophic thinking a diagnosis?

Catastrophic thoughts are not a separate diagnosis but are often part of other types of mental health problems, specifically anxiety disorders. Depression is often accompanied by anxiety, so catastrophic thinking is also common, but it can also occur in other mental health conditions and neuropsychiatric problems.

What set our therapist apart was her genuine empathy and personal insight. Not only did she possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity, but she also shared personal experiences that resonated with us, creating an instant connection and fostering a sense of trust!

Benedetta Osarenk

Can you get rid of catastrophic thoughts?

Catastrophic thoughts can be treated with different techniques from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). There are also other methods that can be helpful, such as metacognitive therapy (MCT) or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). We have more licensed psychologists and qualified therapists who can help.

Causes of catastrophic thoughts

Catastrophic thinking can be caused by psychological, biological and environmental factors. It can be due to previous traumatic experiences or negative events. Low self-esteem and insecurity can also lead to the development of anxious attitudes. Perfectionism, with an exaggerated fear of making mistakes, also has an impact. There may also be biological factors or heredity, as people can take after close relatives who are also anxious while growing up. Many factors combine to create this way of thinking.

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Symptoms of catastrophic thinking

Catastrophic thinking is common and here are some characteristics:

1. Worst-case scenario thinking: automatically assuming that the most negative scenario will occur in a situation. For example, if someone is late for a meeting, a person with catastrophic thinking may think that they will definitely lose their job as a result.
2. Exaggeration of risks and dangers: Seeing potential situations as much more dangerous or risky than they actually are.
3. ‘What if’ thinking: A tendency to worry about all possible hypothetical outcomes, even if they are highly unlikely. For example, “‘What if I say something stupid during the presentation and everyone laughs at me?”
4. Focusing on negative outcomes: concentrating on the negative to the extent that positive outcomes or solutions are ignored or not considered.
5. Emotional reinforcement: Feeling a strong emotional response based on these negative predictions, which can reinforce feelings of anxiety or panic.

These are just a few examples of catastrophic thoughts that people may have, which are often part of anxiety disorders. Treatment looks at the thoughts that arise in different situations specific to each individual.

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Why Lavendla?

Treatment of catastrophic thoughts

Catastrophic thinking is often part of anxiety problems and can lead to stress. It can also be part of depression or other mental health problems. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is effective in helping people challenge and change catastrophic thoughts. These misinterpretations may have developed as part of a person’s life history and CBT is based on learning theory that looks at how the thoughts have developed.

Through CBT, individuals learn to identify, challenge and replace excessive negative thoughts with more realistic and balanced thoughts. This is called cognitive restructuring of cognitive biases, which are misinterpretations of different situations. In newer forms of therapy such as Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT), you can also work more with mindfulness to change your approach to your thoughts. It is possible to get help with catastrophic thoughts and feel better.

Dealing with catastrophic thoughts

If you recognize that you have catastrophic thoughts, it is good to seek help. It is possible to improve your quality of life and we offer access to psychologists and therapists who are ready to support you through your journey. We make the hard things easier.

Treating catastrophic thoughts with cognitive behavioural therapy

This section explains how to treat catastrophic thoughts using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Help is available and here you can get an idea of the treatment:

Assessment of symptoms

The first step is for a licensed psychologist or qualified therapist to help you evaluate your situation and history. They will assess whether your thoughts may also be related to another mental disorder. You may also be asked to complete assessment forms.

Psychoeducation and goals

You will learn about how your thoughts affect you both physically and mentally. You will work on analyzing situations and also set goals for treatment.

Tools for changing behaviours and patterns

You will work on identifying and changing thought patterns. Together with your therapist, you can work with different tools to overcome your problem. This may involve balancing your thoughts but also working with mindfulness. You will be given homework to practice between sessions.

Follow up and evaluate progress

You will be supported by your psychologist throughout the process. At the end of the treatment, you will also receive a plan to continue practicing and maintain your progress over time.

Feel free to book a first session with one of our licensed psychologists or therapists to see how we can help you. We make the hard things easier.