Cognitive Distortion in Anxiety Disorders

A 30-year-old female patient presents to the emergency department with complaints of a racing heart, shortness of breath, and feelings of impending doom. After a thorough assessment, the nurse determines that the patient is experiencing symptoms consistent with an anxiety disorder. Understanding that anxiety can manifest in various ways, the nurse aims to help the patient gain clarity about her condition.

In a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approach, it is important for the nurse to educate the patient about the role of cognitive distortions in anxiety. One important concept in this therapy is the identification of these distortions. Fill in the blank: One common cognitive distortion that a person with anxiety may experience is _____________.