Catastrophizing är ett kognitivt fel eller en tendens att tolka en situation, en händelse eller smärta på ett sätt som är mycket värre än vad den verkligen är. Det innebär ofta att man hoppar till slutsatsen att det kommer bli någonting extremt negativt eller olyckligt, även om det inte finns några konkreta bevis för det. Catastrophizing kan leda till onödiga rädslor, oro och stress, och kan påverka en persons vardagliga funktioner, relationer och kvalitet på livet negativt.

Catastrophizing is a cognitive distortion or a type of negative thinking pattern in which an individual tends to exaggerate the severity and consequences of a situation, expecting the worst-case scenario to occur. This can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and fear, and can negatively impact a person's ability to cope with difficult situations.

In a medical context, catastrophizing may refer to the tendency for some patients to assume the worst about their health condition or prognosis, even when there is little evidence to support such fears. This can lead to increased anxiety and distress, as well as decreased adherence to treatment recommendations. Catastrophizing has been linked to poorer outcomes in a variety of medical conditions, including chronic pain, cancer, and heart disease.

Healthcare providers may use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to help patients identify and challenge their catastrophic thoughts, with the goal of reducing anxiety and improving coping skills.