Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What component does a psychotherapy approach for anxiety include that helps manage responses?

1. Medication management

2. Breathing training and cognitive restructuring

3. Support group therapy

4. Pharmacological interventions

The correct answer is: Breathing training and cognitive restructuring

The psychotherapy approach for anxiety is particularly effective because it incorporates techniques like breathing training and cognitive restructuring. Breathing training teaches patients to control their breathing patterns, which can help reduce feelings of panic and anxiety when they arise. This technique encourages relaxation and helps individuals manage physiological responses associated with anxiety. Cognitive restructuring is a key component where individuals learn to identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to their anxiety. By restructuring these thoughts, patients can develop healthier thinking patterns and reduce their overall anxiety levels. This dual approach of managing both the physical symptoms through breathing techniques and the mental aspect through cognitive strategies creates a comprehensive method for dealing with anxiety. While medication management, support group therapy, and pharmacological interventions can be part of an anxiety treatment plan, they do not directly address the management of responses in the same manner as breathing training and cognitive restructuring do. These alternative methods may provide support and relief but lack the immediate, hands-on strategies that empower individuals to cope effectively during anxious moments. Thus, the combination of breathing training and cognitive restructuring stands out as a vital component of psychotherapy for anxiety, focusing on equipping individuals with tools to manage their responses actively.