catastrophize

Catastrophize is a cognitive distortion in which a person consistently assumes the worst possible outcome will occur, often exaggerating danger and underestimating coping abilities. The term derives from catastrophe, signaling a tendency to perceive events as disasters rather than as uncertain or manageable. It is a pattern of thinking rather than a one-off reaction to a single event.

In psychology, catastrophizing is commonly observed in anxiety disorders, health anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression. It tends to be automatic and habitual, amplifying fear and distress, and it can contribute to avoidance, rumination, and impaired decision-making.

Common examples include statements like, If I fail this exam, my life will be ruined; If I miss this deadline, I’ll be fired; If I notice a symptom, it must be something serious. Such thoughts focus on the worst-case outcome, discount evidence of safety, and magnify potential threats.

Mechanistically, catastrophizing involves overestimating the probability and severity of negative outcomes while underweighting available coping resources. It often features magnification, all-or-nothing thinking, and selective attention to threat cues, which can perpetuate heightened arousal and distress.

Coping and treatment typically emphasize cognitive-behavioral approaches. Cognitive restructuring and thought records help challenge evidence, test realism, and reframe possibilities. Other strategies include probabilistic thinking, behavioral experiments, mindfulness, and stress management. In clinical settings, therapy may combine CBT with exposure or acceptance-based techniques, and, when appropriate, medication may be considered as part of a broader treatment plan.

See also: cognitive distortions, anxiety disorders, cognitive-behavioral therapy.