Anxiety Disorders and Emotional Origins

Posted: September 10th, 2022

Anxiety and Depression: Origins and Treatment Approaches

Anxiety disorders and depression are prevalent mental health conditions that can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. This paper examines the criteria for diagnosing anxiety disorders, explores the potential benefits and drawbacks of focusing on childhood experiences as the origin of emotional problems, and discusses current treatment options for depression.

Criteria for Diagnosing Anxiety Disorders

Susan, a college student experiencing anxiety when speaking, presents an interesting case for analysis. To determine whether her reaction is normal or indicative of an anxiety disorder, two essential criteria must be considered:

Firstly, the intensity and persistence of the anxiety symptoms play a crucial role in diagnosis. While it is common to feel nervous before public speaking, excessive and persistent fear that interferes with daily functioning may suggest an anxiety disorder (American Psychiatric Association, 2023). In Susan’s case, her anxiety appears to motivate meticulous preparation rather than causing avoidance or significant distress.

Secondly, the impact on functionality and quality of life is a key consideration. If Susan’s anxiety does not prevent her from engaging in speaking activities or cause substantial impairment in academic or social domains, it may not meet the threshold for an anxiety disorder diagnosis (Craske et al., 2022).

Based on these criteria, Susan’s reaction appears to be within the range of normal anxiety responses. Her anxiety seems to serve an adaptive function by motivating thorough preparation, rather than causing significant distress or avoidance behavior. However, a comprehensive clinical assessment would be necessary for a definitive diagnosis.

Childhood Origins of Emotional Problems: Benefits and Drawbacks

The focus on childhood experiences as the primary source of emotional problems has gained popularity in recent years. This approach offers both potential benefits and drawbacks:

Benefits:

Increased self-awareness: Exploring childhood experiences can help individuals gain insight into the root causes of their emotional patterns, fostering self-understanding and personal growth (Roest et al., 2023).

Targeted interventions: Identifying specific childhood events or dynamics that contribute to emotional issues can guide therapists in developing tailored treatment strategies, potentially enhancing therapeutic outcomes (Lima et al., 2013).

Drawbacks:

Overemphasis on the past: Focusing exclusively on childhood experiences may lead to neglecting current stressors and environmental factors that contribute to emotional problems, potentially hindering effective treatment (Bitsko et al., 2022).

Risk of false memories: The process of exploring childhood memories in therapy carries the risk of creating or reinforcing false memories, which can complicate the healing process and relationships with family members (Bhatia & Bhatia, 2007).

While childhood experiences undoubtedly play a role in shaping emotional well-being, a balanced approach that considers both past and present factors is likely to be most effective in addressing emotional problems.

Treatment Options for Depression

When faced with a family member experiencing depression, it is crucial to approach treatment decisions with care and consideration. Based on current research and clinical guidelines, the following steps are recommended:

Comprehensive assessment: Arrange for a thorough evaluation by a mental health professional to determine the severity of depression and any co-existing conditions. This assessment will guide the selection of appropriate treatment options (Clark et al., 2012).

Consider a multimodal approach: Research indicates that a combination of psychotherapy and medication often yields the best outcomes for moderate to severe depression. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) have shown particular efficacy in treating depression (American Psychological Association, 2023).

Supporting facts:

A systematic review by Lima et al. (2013) found that cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective in reducing depressive symptoms in children and adolescents, with benefits often extending into adulthood.

For pharmacological treatment, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, and escitalopram have demonstrated efficacy and safety in treating depression in various age groups (Clark et al., 2012).

It is essential to involve the depressed family member in the decision-making process, ensuring their preferences and concerns are considered. Regular follow-ups and adjustments to the treatment plan may be necessary to achieve optimal results.

In conclusion, understanding the criteria for anxiety disorders, recognizing the complex origins of emotional problems, and implementing evidence-based treatment approaches are crucial steps in addressing mental health issues effectively. By combining clinical expertise with the latest research findings, mental health professionals can provide comprehensive care that promotes long-term well-being and resilience.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2023). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text revision). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

American Psychological Association. (2023). Depression treatments for children and adolescents. https://www.apa.org/depression-guideline/children-and-adolescents

Bhatia, S. K., & Bhatia, S. C. (2007). Childhood and adolescent depression. American Family Physician, 75(1), 73-80.

Bitsko, R. H., Claussen, A. H., Lichstein, J., Black, L. I., Jones, S. E., Danielson, M. L., … & Ghandour, R. M. (2022). Mental health surveillance among children—United States, 2013–2019. MMWR Supplements, 71(2), 1.

Clark, M. S., Jansen, K. L., & Cloy, J. A. (2012). Treatment of childhood and adolescent depression. American Family Physician, 86(5), 442-448.

Craske, M. G., Stein, M. B., Eley, T. C., Milad, M. R., Holmes, A., Rapee, R. M., & Wittchen, H. U. (2022). Anxiety disorders. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 8(1), 1-31.

Lima, N. N. R., do Nascimento, V. B., de Carvalho, S. M. F., de Abreu, L. C., Neto, M. L. R., Brasil, A. Q., … & Reis, A. O. A. (2013). Childhood depression: a systematic review. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 9, 1417.

Roest, A. M., Ormel, J., Bastiaansen, J. A., & de Jonge, P. (2023). Are treatments for childhood mental disorders helpful in the long run? World Psychiatry, 22(1), 42-43.

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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.