How does cognitive therapy aim to treat mental disorders?

Cognitive therapy aims to treat mental disorders primarily by identifying and changing negative thought patterns. This approach is rooted in the idea that cognitive distortions—such as overgeneralizing, focusing on the negative, and all-or-nothing thinking—can significantly impact an individual's emotional well-being and behavior. Cognitive therapy encourages patients to become aware of these unhelpful thought processes and provides tools and strategies to challenge and reframe them, aiming to foster more balanced and constructive thinking.

By effectively altering these negative thought patterns, cognitive therapy helps individuals develop healthier responses to stressors and challenges, subsequently alleviating symptoms associated with various mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. The ability to recognize and modify one's thoughts can lead to improved emotional regulation and better coping mechanisms, ultimately enhancing overall mental health.

Considering the other choices, focusing on medication management relates more to pharmacological interventions rather than cognitive approaches. Promoting social interactions, while beneficial for mental health, does not directly address the cognitive aspects of disorders. Emphasizing physical health may contribute to overall well-being but does not target cognitive distortions specifically. Hence, the emphasis on changing negative thought patterns is at the heart of cognitive therapy's effectiveness in treating mental disorders.