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Different perspectives on anxiety disorders
Major theoretical perspectives related to generalized anxiety disorder
Different perspectives on anxiety disorders
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Anxiety Disorder
Psychoanalysts believe that anxiety disorders are caused by internal mental conflicts often involving sexual impulses. These impulses cause an overuse of the ego’s defense system that fails over time. This shows that the unacceptable impulses the ego has blocked are the generalized anxiety disorders. These blocked impulses cause an unconscious state of apprehension for which the person does not know the cause of. Phobias, however, occur if the person sets the cause of the anxiety to a certain object, or situation, which they can more easily avoid than the actual source of anxiety.
Panic disorders and agoraphobia are caused by separation anxiety, mainly separation from parents, early in life. This happens in children who were taught to intervene in separation from a parenting figure by throwing tantrums. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is seen as a fixation in the mind at the primary stage of psychosexual development. The fact that compulsive behavior rituals often involve cleanliness shows that there is mental fixation during a period of mastering unclean bowel movements.
Behaviorists believe that in anxiety disorders the individual is not “fixated” but they have a
conditioned fear that does not involve oedipal complexes or displacement. The theory of classical conditioning says that phobias are the result of learned associations of neutral stimuli and frightening events. This also demonstrates why an individual might have a phobia of guns after being shot by one.
Biological theorists believe that people with anxiety disorders have unusually responsive autonomic systems that are more easily aroused by environmental stimuli. This condition is known as autonomic lability that contributes to a tendency to be jumpy or anxious. They feel that the basal ganglia has loops in the sensory input and behavioral output centers.
Somatoform Disorders
Psychoanalysts feel that somatoform disorders are caused by unresolved sexual impulses that produce intense anxiety that is converted into physical symptoms. Because of this conversion the original anxiety produced is now reduced, this process is termed primary gain, but if the person is allowed to escape or avoid stressful life situations.
Similar to the psychoanalysts’ perspective of secondary gain, behaviorists feel that if a person is allowed to escape or avoid the physical symptoms are reinforced.
Biological theorists, have very little to say since there seems to be no physical cause of the symptoms, except that there may be some genetic predisposition to Somatoform disorders.
Dissociative Disorders
Psychoanalysts believe that dissociative symptoms are caused by massive reliance on repression to ward off unacceptable impulses, particularly those of a sexual nature.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V), describes somatoform disorders as a group of related mental health symptoms that are characterized by a patient’s presentation of multiple, current somatic symptoms that are distressing or result in significant impairment of daily functioning. A somatic symptom is the presentation of physical illness or distress that would appear to have a medical basis but which cannot be explained by either a general medical condition, direct effect of a substance, or any other mental health disorder. Patients who suffer from somatoform disorders firmly believe that the pain they are experiencing stems from a physical problem rather than a mental one; indeed, that is a fundamental aspect of the disorder. Somatoform disorders range from a simple and persistent pain disorder to hypochondriasis, which involves persistent anxiety over the existence of a serious illness, to conversion disorder, which involves the actual loss of a bodily function from excessive anxiety over the perceived ailment. (DSM-V, 2013)
In conclusion, somatoform disorders must be treated with caution. Upsetting a patient or even digging too far to find information or a cause of a disease could potentially make the patient even worse. Those professionals using the DSM-V on a regular basis must be aware the changes and the progression the DSM will continue to make. Different symptoms may include pain, gastrointestinal complaints, sexual symptoms and neurological problems. Different disorders include somatization, hypochondriasis, conversion, body dysmorphic disorder, pseudocyesis, and both pain and undifferentiated somatization in conjunction with PTSD.
The psychoanalytic perspective grew out of subsequent psychoanalytic theories (1901, 1924, and 1940) following decades of interactions with clients with the use of an innovative procedure developed by Sigmund Freud that required lengthy verbal interactions with patients during which Freud probed deep into their lives. In a nutshell, the psychoanalytic perspective looked to explain personality, motivation, and psychological disorders by focussing on the influence of early childhood experiences, on unconscious motives and conflicts, and on the methods people use to cope with their sexual and aggressive urges. The Biological perspective on the other hand looks at the physiological bases of behaviour in humans and animals. It proposes that an organism’s functioning can be described in terms of the bodily structures and biochemical processes that cause behaviour. This paper attempts to examine the similarities and differences between the psychoanalytic perspective and the biological perspective with the key focus on the core assumptions and features of these perspectives as well as their individual strengths and weaknesses.
Due to the intense nature of the physical symptoms of PD and its impact of one’s life, various researchers has identified different contributory factors of this disorder. Some studies indicated hyperventilation, over activity in the noradrenergic neurotransmitter system, interceptive classical conditioning, anxiety sensitivity, catastrophic misinterpretation of bodily sensations and safety behaviors are potential factors of PD (Davey, 2014). While, other researchers have stated PD is possibly caused by genetic predisposition, abnormalities in serotonin, and early developmental factors (Sansone et al., 1998). As the etiology of PD remains unknown and further studies are being conducted, it is agreed upon the mental health community that biological, psychological and cognitive factors contribute to the etiology and maintenance of PD.
One kind of anxiety disorder is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This disease can ruin a person's life because it causes them to have repetitive thoughts and behaviors towards certain things. Life can become very difficult because this way of thinking and acting is very difficult to overcome, especially since the obsessions have no point and are stressful for the person. It begins to interfere with the person's school, work, and/or home.
Explain in detail, from a biological perspective, how GABA is related to the experience of anxiety. What are some limitations of this explanation?
“Anxiety disorders are characterized by frequent fearful thoughts about what might happen in the future”(Wood, Wood, & Boyd, 2014). These sicknesses dramatically alter patients lives in a negative way, not only does if affect the people who suffer from one of these disorders but it also affects their social surroundings and loved ones. There are many psychological disorders, which is why it could be compared to a kingdom of biology because they extend and connect to so many other illness, some of these anxiety disorders would include: panic attacks, specific phobias, obsessive-disorder, major depression, bi polar disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder.
The Dissociative Disorders category of the DSM-IV-TR, is characterized by a disruption in the functions of perception, identity, consciousness, or memory. The disorders in the Dissociative Disorders category include Dissociative Amnesia, Dissociative Fugue, Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), Depersonalization Disorder and Dissociative Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.
Abnormal behavior that people experience help to mold a person into whom they are and they follow them everywhere they go. Anxiety disorders, such as phobias or OCD, may be easily overcome with practice; however, personality disorders are not so easy to rid yourself of. It is rather difficult to get rid of personality disorders due to the depth of the dismal emotions you experience, as well as your childhood history. Anxiety disorders are the less of all evils, however, they still maintain the capability of controlling somebody’s life.
...ilosophies, and related treatments were studied. The treatment for anxiety disorders is built on a solid scientific foundation, beached in research by specialists from various fields. The research has examined these biological, communal, and psychological factors that contribute to anxiety disorders. This comprehensive research base has directed us to the development of numerous, empirically-based treatments that have demonstrated to be highly operational. As a result, thousands of spirited individuals have reclaimed their health, reinstated their functioning, and now revel in richly rewarding and substantial lives. The future remains hopeful for those who tussle with anxiety. We are self-reliant that advancements in the handling of anxiety disorders will continue to bring hope and assistance to the people, and families, affected by these disorders.(www.bhcmhmr.org)
There have been many debates about psychological disorders on whether they are acquired biologically (nature) or through learned behaviors and experiences people have (nurture). Anxiety Disorders is the most common mental disorder, affecting eighteen percent of the U.S population, roughly 40 million adults (ADAA). Anxiety is a normal emotion to experiences, but is different than just normal anxiety because it is where a person feels excessive or unrealistic anxiousness or fear. It is much more severe than just being nervous about making a decision, taking a test, or being faced with a problem. Anxiety disorder grows to the point where it becomes an inconvenience and someone can no longer live a normal life without the anxiousness butting in. Anxiety disorder can also take different forms such as OCD, panic disorder, and phobias. Although, there is not a specific reason as to why people develop this type of disorder, research suggest that someone’s genetics or the life experience they go through can greatly trigger this disorder. Some people believe that their DNA and the characteristics they inherit through their parents, is what makes them who they are. Others truly believe that behaviors can be learned from the environment they grow up in. One thing that can be said is, nature and nurture both play a role.
Anxiety is a normal reaction to a threatening situation and results from an increase in the amount of adrenaline from the sympathetic nervous system. This increased adrenaline speeds the heart and respiration rate, raises blood pressure, and diverts blood flow to the muscles. These physical reactions are appropriate for escaping from danger but when they cause anxiety in many situations throughout the day, they may be detrimental to a normal lifestyle. An anxiety disorder is a disorder where feelings of fear, apprehension, or anxiety are disruptive or cause distortions in behavior, (Coon, 526); they are psychiatric illnesses that are not useful for normal functioning. At times, an underlying illness or disease can cause persistent anxiety. Treatment of the illness or disease will stop the anxiety. Anxiety illnesses affect more than 23 million Americans with about 10 million Americans suffering from the most common, general anxiety disorder . (Harvard, 1). Common anxiety disorders are panic attacks (panic disorder), phobias, and general anxiety disorder (GAD). Panic attacks Panic attacks can begin with a feeling of intense terror followed by physical symptoms of anxiety. A panic attack is characterized by unpredictable attacks of severe anxiety with symptoms not related to any particular situation. (Hale, 1886). The person experiencing the attack may not be aware of the cause. Symptoms include four or more of the following: pounding heart, difficulty breathing, dizziness, chest pain, shaking, sweating, choking, nausea, depersonalization, numbness, fear of dying, flushes, fear of going crazy. Heredity, metabolic factors, hyperventilation, and psychological factors may contribute to anxiety causing panic attacks.
According to Klasco (2011), psychological disorders "are abnormalities of the mind that result in persistent behavior patterns" that can have an impact on daily tasks and life in general. There are many different groups of psychological disorders, one of those being anxiety disorders, which King (2013) states features "motor tension, hyperactivity, and apprehensive expectations and thoughts" (p. 448). There are also many subgroups of anxiety disorders, including phobic disorders, in which agoraphobia is included in. Agoraphobia is considered a panic disorder because its’ ability to limit people from doing their daily activities.
Inherently representing the conflict between the id, which is the natural impulse of ridding bodily waste, and the “ego and superego, which represent the practical and societal pressures to control the bodily functions.” (Stevenson, 2000) According to Freud’s Psychosexual Theory, there are two types of personalities that can branch, “anal-retentive personality” or “anal-expulsive personality.” Anal-retentive personality” in which a parent is strict with toilet disciplining would make a child inherently obsessively organized, neat, disciplined, methodical, systematic and more passive-aggressive. On the other hand, “anal-expulsive” which is when a parent is too lenient in toilet disciplining would lead to an unorganized, thoughtless, inconsiderate, and rebellious, bold personality. This stage lasts until three years old in which the next stage takes over. (McLeod,
If you have ever been tense before an exam, a date, or a job interview, you have some idea of what anxiety feels like. Increased heart rate, sweating, rapid breathing, a dry mouth, and a sense of dread are common components of anxiety. But episodes of modern anxiety are a normal part of the life for most people. But what anxiety is so intense and long lasting that it impairs a person’s daily functioning is called an anxiety disorder. It is a general term for several disorders that cause apprehension, nervousness, fear, and worrying. These disorders affect how we feel and behave, and they can manifest real physical symptoms. Mild anxiety is vague and unsettling, while severe anxiety can be extremely debilitating, having a serious impact on daily life.