Catastrophic thoughts

What are catastrophic thoughts?

Catastrophic thoughts are thought processes, where a person assumes the worst will happen or exaggerates the consequences of a negative event. 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. Catastropic thoughts can be helped in treatment.

Is catastrophic thinking a diagnosis?

Catastrophic thought is not a specific diagnosis but often forms part of other types of mental health problems, specifically anxiety disorders. Depression is often accompanied by anxiety, so catastrophic thinking is also common in people who suffer from depression. Catastrophic thoughts can also occur in other mental health conditions and neuropsychiatric problems.

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Can you get rid of catastrophic thoughts?

Catastrophic thoughts can be treated with different techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Other methods, such as Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), can also be helpful.

At Lavendla, we have psychologists and qualified therapists who specialize in CBT, MCT, and ACT and can help you.

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 catastrophic thinking. 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 worst scenario will occur. For example, if someone is late for a meeting, a person with catastrophic thinking may think they will lose their job.
2. Exaggeration of risks and dangers: Seeing potential situations as much more dangerous than they 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: Focussing on the negative to such an extent that positive outcomes or solutions are not considered.
5. Emotional reinforcement: Feeling a strong emotional response based on these negative predictions, which could 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 and how they can be managed with an emphasis on a treatment plan that is specific to each individual.

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Why Lavendla?

Treatment of catastrophic thoughts

Catastrophic thinking often occurs as part of an anxiety disorder and can lead to stress. It can also occur as part of depression or other mental health problems. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is effective in helping people challenge and change catastrophic thinking. These misinterpretations may have developed as part of a person’s history, and CBT is based on a 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 and misinterpretations of different situations. In newer forms of therapy such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), you can use mindfulness to change your approach to your thoughts. Getting help with catastrophic thinking and changing your mindset to a more positive one is possible.

Dealing with catastrophic thoughts

If you recognize that you have catastrophic thoughts, you should seek help. You can improve your quality of life. At Lavendla, we offer access to psychologists and therapists ready to support you through your journey. We make the hard things easier.

Treating catastrophic thoughts with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Here is a summary of how health anxiety could be treated using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). There is help available, and this gives you an idea of the steps you may take in therapy:

1. Assessment of symptoms: The first step is for a psychologist or qualified therapist to help you evaluate your situation and history. You may also be asked to complete assessment forms.
2. Psychoeducation and objectives: You will learn about your anxiety and how it affects you both physically and psychologically. They work on analyzing situations and setting goals for treatment.
3. Tools for changing behaviours and patterns: You will work on identifying and changing patterns of thinking that are linked to your health anxiety. Together with your therapist, you can work with different tools to overcome health anxiety. You will be given homework to practice between sessions.
4. Follow-up and evaluation progress: Your psychologist will support you throughout the process. At the end of treatment, you will receive a plan to continue practising and to maintain your progress over time.

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