Psychodynamic Theory Of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by chronic excessive worry. This worry must persist for at least six months, and must be considered difficult to control (Mineka and Zinbarg 2006). Although Generalized Anxiety Disorder was not given a stand-alone diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual(DSM) until the third edition – released in 1980 – descriptions of what would today be considered Generalized Anxiety Disorder have existed since the mid seventeenth century. Even when the third edition was released, this diagnosis was still considered to be a residual diagnosis after all other Anxiety disorders were ruled out. It was not until the fourth edition of the DSM was released in 1994 that we see Generalized

The first theory is a psychoanalytic one. This model relies heavily on the unconscious mind’s role in causing Generalized Anxiety Disorder. There are a few specific examples included to help illustrate the psychodynamic model. The second theory is a Behaviorist theory. This model explains Generalized Anxiety Disorder as a set of learned responses that an environment conditions a person to exhibit. There are also examples of how certain anxious tendencies can be learned, contributing to Generalized Anxiety Disorder. We will then examine the treatments for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, as recommended by experts in both fields; through Psychanalysis for the Psychoanalytic theory, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, for Behavioral

When it comes to fears that are commonly held – such as snakes, or spiders – multiple factors can be at play. Learning to fear spiders is much easier than other, potentially more dangerous things, because humans evolved to be hyperaware of spiders as they once posed a much greater risk. However, this is not the only reason that spiders are a more common fear than, something much more likely to kill in automobile crashes. A fear of spiders is something that is pervasive among much of the human race, and so when a mother screams, and runs away upon seeing a spider, multiple times, children are taught to have that fear as well, and they carry that into adulthood (Mineka and Zinbarg, 2006). So, these responses are not classified as Generalized Anxiety Disorder, but they help to demonstrate the degree to which our evolution plays into our fears and anxieties. Although it is not the leading factor, modern behaviorists do take into account natural factors, including