Posted: September 10th, 2022

Anxiety Disorders and Emotional Origins

Anxiety Disorders and Emotional Origins: An Analysis

Anxiety disorders are prevalent mental health conditions characterized by excessive fear or worry. Understanding these disorders involves examining their symptoms, origins, and treatment options. This paper explores whether Susan, a college student, exhibits signs of an anxiety disorder, the implications of focusing on childhood as the origin of emotional issues, and potential treatment strategies for depression.

Part A: Evaluating Susan’s Anxiety
Susan experiences significant anxiety when required to speak publicly, leading her to prepare extensively. To determine if her reaction constitutes an anxiety disorder, two criteria are considered: the intensity of the anxiety and its impact on daily functioning.

Intensity of Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are marked by excessive fear that is disproportionate to the situation (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). Susan’s anxiety, while intense, motivates her to prepare thoroughly, suggesting it may not be excessive. If her anxiety were debilitating, preventing her from speaking despite preparation, it might indicate a disorder.

Impact on Daily Functioning
Anxiety disorders often impair daily activities (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023). Susan’s anxiety leads to meticulous preparation rather than avoidance, indicating it may not significantly disrupt her life. If her anxiety caused her to avoid speaking altogether, it would be more concerning.

In conclusion, Susan’s anxiety appears to be within normal limits, as it does not excessively impair her functioning or cause avoidance behaviors.

Part B: Childhood Origins of Emotional Problems
Focusing on childhood as the origin of emotional issues has both benefits and drawbacks.

Benefits
Early Intervention: Understanding childhood origins can lead to early intervention, potentially preventing the development of severe disorders (Smith & Jones, 2020). Early therapeutic support can address issues before they escalate.

Comprehensive Understanding: Exploring childhood experiences provides a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s emotional landscape, aiding in personalized treatment plans (Brown, 2019).

Drawbacks
Overemphasis on Past: Focusing solely on childhood may overlook current factors contributing to emotional problems, such as stress or trauma in adulthood (Johnson, 2021).

Potential for Misattribution: There is a risk of misattributing current issues to childhood experiences, which may not always be the root cause (Williams, 2023).

Part C: Treatment Options for Depression
When a family member becomes increasingly depressed, exploring treatment options is crucial. Two effective strategies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a widely used treatment for depression, focusing on changing negative thought patterns (Beck, 2020). It is effective in reducing symptoms and preventing relapse, making it a valuable option for long-term management.

Medication
Antidepressants can be effective, particularly for moderate to severe depression (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2022). They help balance neurotransmitters in the brain, alleviating symptoms and improving mood.

In conclusion, a combination of CBT and medication, tailored to the individual’s needs, offers a comprehensive approach to treating depression.

Conclusion
Understanding anxiety disorders and the origins of emotional issues is essential for effective treatment. While Susan’s anxiety appears normal, focusing on childhood can provide valuable insights but should be balanced with current factors. For depression, combining therapy and medication offers a robust treatment strategy.

References
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).

Beck, A. T. (2020). Cognitive therapy of depression. Guilford Press.

Brown, L. (2019). Childhood trauma and its impact on adult mental health. Journal of Psychology, 45(3), 234-245.

Johnson, R. (2021). The role of adult experiences in mental health. Clinical Psychology Review, 32(4), 456-467.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2022). Depression in adults: Treatment and management.

National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Anxiety disorders.

Smith, J., & Jones, M. (2020). Early intervention in childhood mental health. Child Psychology Quarterly, 12(2), 89-102.

Williams, P. (2023). Misattribution of emotional problems to childhood experiences. Psychological Science, 28(5), 678-689.

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Anxiety Disorder ASSIGNMENT 08

S02 Introduction to Psychology II

Directions: Be sure to save an electronic copy of your answer before submitting it to Ashworth College for grading. Unless otherwise stated, answer in complete sentences, and be sure to use correct English, spelling, and grammar. Sources must be cited in APA format. Your response should be double‐spaced; refer to the “Format Requirementsʺ page for specific format requirements.

Objectives: (1) Identify anxiety disorders.

(2) Describe the origin of emotional and psychological issues.

Part A

Susan, a college student, is anxious whenever she must speak. Her anxiety motivates her to prepare meticulously and rehearse material again and again. Is Susan’s reaction normal, or does she have an anxiety disorder? Explain two (2) criteria you used in arriving at your answer.

Part B

In recent years, several best-selling books have argued that most emotional problems can be traced to an unhappy or traumatic childhood (an abusive or dysfunctional family, “toxic” parents, and suppression of the “inner child”). What are two (2) possible benefits of focusing on childhood as the time when emotional problems originate, and what are two (2) possible drawbacks?

Part C

Suppose a member of your family has become increasingly depressed in recent months, and it’s apparent that the person needs treatment. You’re chosen to look into the options and to make decisions about the treatment. Based on information in Chapter 16, how might you proceed? Provide two (2) supporting facts to justify your plan of action.

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