Surveys Suggest That Up To 4% Of The US Population Suffer

Surveys Suggest That Up To 4 Of The Us Population Suf

1. Surveys suggest that up to 4% of the U.S. population suffers from generalized anxiety disorder. How are anxiety disorders viewed by various psychological perspectives such as psychodynamic, biological, cognitive, and humanistic? With which perspective do you most agree? With which do you least agree? Explain your answers.

2. How do phobias differ from fears? What types of phobias affect a person’s ability to function normally in society? How is his or her ability to function in society affected? What may cause a person to develop a phobia?

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding anxiety disorders through various psychological perspectives allows for a comprehensive view of their origins, symptoms, and treatment options. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), characterized by excessive and persistent worry, affects a significant portion of the population, estimated at about 4% in the United States (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Exploring how different schools of psychological thought interpret such disorders can foster better understanding and improve intervention strategies.

Psychodynamic Perspective on Anxiety Disorders

The psychodynamic perspective, rooted in Freud’s theories, views anxiety disorders as resulting from unresolved unconscious conflicts stemming from childhood experiences (Freud, 1926). According to this view, anxiety is a symptom of repressed emotions and desires that threaten to surface. Individuals develop defenses, such as repression or denial, to manage these inner conflicts. For example, persistent worry in GAD might be seen as a manifestation of unconscious conflicts related to fears of losing control or separation. Therapy from this perspective focuses on bringing unconscious conflicts into conscious awareness to resolve underlying issues.

Biological Perspective on Anxiety Disorders

The biological perspective emphasizes genetic, neurochemical, and neuroanatomical factors contributing to anxiety disorders. Research indicates that imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are linked to anxiety (Nutt et al., 2007). Structural differences in brain regions, such as the amygdala, which processes fear, have also been associated with anxiety disorders (Etkin & Wager, 2007). This view supports pharmacological treatments targeting neurotransmitter systems, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and suggests a heritable component in susceptibility (Stein et al., 2017).

Cognitive Perspective on Anxiety Disorders

The cognitive perspective attributes anxiety to maladaptive thought patterns and beliefs. According to this view, individuals with GAD engage in negative, distorted thinking about future threats and perceive situations as more dangerous than they are (Beck, 1976). Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which aims to identify and challenge these faulty beliefs, has proven highly effective. For instance, a person may catastrophize minor setbacks, fueling excessive worry and anxiety (Hofmann & Smits, 2008).

Humanistic Perspective on Anxiety Disorders

The humanistic perspective emphasizes personal growth, self-actualization, and genuine self-awareness. Anxiety, from this point of view, results when individuals experience incongruence between their real self and ideal self or face barriers to self-acceptance (Rogers, 1951). This approach advocates for unconditional positive regard and therapeutic relationships that promote self-exploration. Although less emphasized in mainstream treatment, it underscores the importance of understanding individual experiences and fostering personal development.

Most and Least Agreeable Perspectives

I most agree with the cognitive perspective because of its strong empirical support and practical applications through CBT. It effectively explains how thought patterns contribute to anxiety and provides concrete methods for relief. Conversely, I least agree with the humanistic perspective’s view of anxiety, as it somewhat downplays biological and environmental factors and emphasizes subjective experiences. While valuable, it may oversimplify anxiety’s complex interplay of genetics, neurobiology, and cognition.

Differences Between Phobias and Fears

Fears are normal emotional responses to real or perceived threats that can be adaptive, prompting caution and safety behaviors. Phobias, however, are intense, irrational fears of specific objects or situations that lead to significant distress and avoidance behaviors, often impairing daily functioning (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). For example, a phobia of heights (acrophobia) may prevent an individual from engaging in activities like climbing stairs or traveling (Öst, 1987).

Impact of Phobias on Functioning

Phobias can severely limit a person's ability to function socially and professionally. Avoidance behaviors may lead to social isolation, reduced opportunities for employment, and impaired quality of life. For instance, someone with social phobia (social anxiety disorder) might avoid public speaking or social gatherings, hindering academic or career advancement and straining relationships (Stein & Stein, 2008).

Causes of Phobias

Development of phobias can stem from a combination of genetic vulnerability, learned responses, and environmental factors. Classical conditioning plays a crucial role; for example, a person who experiences a traumatic incident involving dogs may develop a fear of dogs (Mineka & Öhman, 2002). Observational learning from family or media can also contribute to phobia development. Additionally, genetic predispositions might make certain individuals more sensitive to developing specific fears when exposed to stressors (Reiss & McNally, 1985).

Conclusion

Understanding the multiple perspectives on anxiety disorders enriches our comprehension of their origins and informs treatment. While biological factors provide a foundational understanding, cognitive and psychodynamic approaches offer insights into individual experiences and internal conflicts. Recognizing the differences between fears and phobias emphasizes the importance of tailored interventions to restore normal functioning. Addressing the causes of phobias through evidence-based therapies can substantially improve quality of life for those affected.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
• Beck, A. T. (1976). Cognition and depression. Guilford Press.
• Etkin, A., & Wager, T. D. (2007). Functional neuroimaging of anxiety: A meta-analysis. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 164(10), 1476–1488.
• Freud, S. (1926). Inhibition, symptom, and anxiety. The Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud, Volume XX.
• Hofmann, S. G., & Smits, J. A. (2008). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adult anxiety disorders: A meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 28(2), 139-157.
• Mineka, S., & Öhman, A. (2002). Phobias and preparedness: The selective, automatic, and inflexible nature of fear learning. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 40(8), 1047-1058.
• Nutt, D., et al. (2007). The neurobiology of anxiety disorders. CNS Drugs, 21(3), 189-217.
• Reiss, S., & McNally, R. J. (1985). Expectancy, significance, and the development of phobias. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 23(3), 283-290.
• Rogers, C. R. (1951). Client-centered therapy. Houghton Mifflin.
• Stein, M. B., et al. (2017). Genetic and neuroimaging predictors of anxiety disorders. Biological Psychiatry, 81(2), 94–102.
• Stein, D. J., & Stein, M. B. (2008). Social anxiety disorder. The Lancet, 371(9618), 1115-1125.