Which explanation for panic disorder would most likely be offered by a cognitive-behavioral theorist?
A) "A malfunction in the receptors monitoring oxygen in the blood causes the patient to feel that he or she is suffocating when, in fact, he or she isn't."
B) "Abnormalities of benzodiazepine receptors in the brain cause a person to feel mounting anxiety that leads to a panic attack."
C) "When ego defenses have weakened because of overuse, forbidden sexual impulses threaten to break into consciousness, causing an attack."
D) "When small changes in the body are misinterpreted as dreadful events, these beliefs start a positive-feedback loop that brings on an attack."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral theorists focus on how thoughts and beliefs can influence emotions and behaviors. The explanation that panic disorder arises from misinterpreting bodily sensations as catastrophic events aligns with this perspective, as it emphasizes the role of negative thought patterns in triggering panic attacks.

Which Explanation for Panic Disorder Would Most Likely Be Offered