U10A1

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Capella University *

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7310

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Psychology

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Dec 6, 2023

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Uploaded by kishmeal

Running Header: Psychological Disorders 1 Anxiety Disorder Kyerranie Ishmeal Psy7310: Biological Basis of Behavior Hilary Sowa 09/15/2023

Psychological Disorders 2 Anxiety Disorder Anxiety Influencing Behavior Anxiety disorder is a prevalent mental condition that manifests at any age. It is a group of psychological disorders, where each type has unique features characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry interfering with daily functioning. Here are a few key types of anxiety disorders. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is the most common type , where individuals experience persistent worry about everyday concerns, including health, work, family, and finances. These symptoms translate to physical symptoms such as muscle tension, restlessness, and short concertation span. Anxiety disorders influence behavior, limiting people’s interactions and productivity and interfering with the quality of life. Most individuals engage in avoidance behaviors and prefer staying alone to prevent instances likely to trigger anxiety. While these behaviors offer temporary relief, they reinforce this condition by hindering people from learning that the feared event might not happen. They seek safety to reduce the probability of anxious thoughts and control situations. Anxiety disorder is linked to hypervigilant behavior, where people become excessively alert and attentive to potential threats. According to Barlow Wolfe (2020), the heightened state of arousal leads to increased irritability, difficulty concentrating, and a constant sense of unease. Consequently, this translates to adverse thought patterns, such as catastrophic thinking and overestimating the likelihood of negative happenings. Moreover, excessive anxiety can cloud judgment and decision-making since people avoid anxiety instead of considering rational factors. For instance, people who have previously been trapped in a burning building are likely to sit near exits to salvage similar instances in the future. In intense situations, people with this condition experience physiological symptoms, including increased heartbeat and shortness of breath,

Psychological Disorders 3 leading to chronic health conditions (Barlow & Wolfe, 2020). The impact of anxiety disorders on behavior varies from person to person, depending on the severity of the disorder. Structural, Anatomical, Physiological, and Cultural Factors Structural, anatomical, physiological, and cultural factors influence the behavior associated with anxiety disorder. Specifically, structural aspects involve the underlying brain structures and their connectivity. Neuroimaging studies argue that brain regions contribute significantly to anxiety disorder. According to Adwas et al. (2019), the amygdala is a fundamental brain region that processes emotions, mainly fear and threat-related stimuli. The amygdala can be hyperactive for patients with anxiety disorder, causing heightened responses to perceived threats. Another brain structure is the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for executive functions such as reasoning and emotion regulation. The relationship between the amygdala (emotion center) and the PFC (cognitive control center) is interrupted among anxious people, making it complicated to regulate fear responses. Next is the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory formation and contextualizing experiences (Adwas et al., 2019). Changes in this brain structure lead to persistent and intrusive anxious thoughts, translating to unnecessary fears. Anatomical factors entail the physical structure of the brain. According to Adwas et al. (2019), genetic predisposition influences brain anatomy, leading to anxiety-related behaviors. These factors affect neurotransmitter systems, such as GABA, that inhibit neural activity and have a calming effect. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is involved in the body's stress response, where chronic stress and HPA axis dysregulation cause stress hormones like cortisol, contributing to anxiety signs. The autonomic nervous system controls spontaneous bodily functions, including the fight-or-flight response. However, this response becomes overly

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Psychological Disorders 4 sensitive among anxious people, leading to rapid heart rate, increased sweating, and other physical symptoms (Adwas et al., 2019). The brain's ability to reorganize itself in a process known as neuroplasticity helps address prolonged anxiety likely to trigger maladaptive changes in brain structure and functionalities. Cultural factors shape how people perceive, express, and experience anxiety. Different cultures have varying norms determining emotional expressions and coping techniques. While some communities allow people to express their emotions freely without judgment, others prefer emotional suppression, leading to internalized anxiety. Such beliefs dictate people’s reactions to anxiety and how communities perceive affected individuals. According to Clauss-Ehlers et al. (2019), stigmatizing people with anxiety disorder discourages them from seeking professional help propagating cultural stressors. For instance, acculturative stress can exacerbate anxiety symptoms, especially when adapting to a new way of life. In addition, traditional healing practices and beliefs dictate how individuals seek counseling or other treatment options for anxiety. Some cultures prefer holistic approaches reaffirming their beliefs and religious practices, while others rely on medical interventions. Influence of Cultural & Lived Experiences Culture and lived experiences determine how professionals comprehend anxiety disorders. They influence how psychologists perceive, assess, diagnose, and treat this condition alongside how they interact with and offer care for patients from diverse cultural backgrounds. According to Clauss-Ehlers et al. (2019), cultural experiences are characterized by perceptions, norms, and beliefs informing how counselors express and interpret anxiety symptoms. Some cultures may stress physical symptoms over emotional distress, impacting how this condition is conveyed. Besides, mental health stereotypes hinder affected individuals from expressing

Psychological Disorders 5 themselves to avoid discrimination. To avoid such hindrances, practitioners are encouraged to create awareness about the relevance of embracing and supporting people suffering from mental health issues. Anxiety can manifest differently across cultures. In which somatic symptoms are emphasized in some cultures, while others experience pronounced cognitive symptoms. Moreover, cultures have unique distress idioms and cultural syndromes contradicting the Western diagnostic categories, complicating the treatment process. Therefore, psychologists should remain open to alternative cultural explanations to facilitate client-centered services where they are actively engaged in decision-making (Clauss-Ehlers et al., 2019). Most importantly, cultures present different coping mechanisms, including spirituality, community support, and pharmacological interventions. Practitioners should respect and integrate these practices where appropriate. Through lived experience, counselors can offer valuable empathy and insight into their practice. According to Clauss-Ehlers et al. (2019), experiences help them connect deeply with their clients since they can resonate with their predicaments, enabling them to create a safe space to foster the recovery process. While professionals’ experiences can lead to biases and assumptions when interacting with patients, they are always aware of such elements, which are fundamental in providing objective and culturally sensitive care. Notably, counselors who have worked in diverse environments and possess cross-cultural experiences have a greater cultural competence since they can manage complex cases, regardless of clients’ background, allowing them access to quality counseling services. The competence helps appreciate clients' diversity and listen to meet their mental health needs. Lived experiences allow practitioners to comprehend the emotional turmoil individuals with anxiety disorders encounter, enhancing the therapeutic alliance.

Psychological Disorders 6 The added advantage showcases their expertise in managing anxiety symptoms since they are better equipped to assist clients through treatment. People have numerous intersections, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status, which compound the anxiety experience and determine how they view this disorder (Clauss-Ehlers et al., 2019). Furthermore, intersectionality underscores the significance of multiple factors interacting to shape experiences, meaning that professionals should be attuned to the shortcomings faced by clients with different identities. The connection between cultural and lived experiences results in diverse needs regarding treatment interventions, communication styles, and coping strategies. Counselors with intersectional identities advocate for changes that promote inclusivity and accessibility in mental health care. Acknowledging and integrating these influences into practice translates to culturally sensitive care for patients with anxiety disorders (Clauss-Ehlers et al., 2019). It also emphasizes the need for ongoing education and self-awareness for practitioners to provide the best support to their clients continually. Current Treatments The current treatments for anxiety disorders include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Intervention is considered one of the mo s t effective treatments for anxiety disorder. The treatment centers on identifying and challenging maladaptive thoughts and behaviors prompting anxiety. According to Bandelow, Michaelis, and Wedekind (2022), it has demonstrated its efficacy in reducing anxiety symptoms and preventing relapse. Besides, CBT is considered ethical because it emphasizes cultivating a connection between therapist and client, promoting trust and empowerment. Professionals prioritize equipping clients with lifelong coping skills to overcome their fears and improve the quality of their thoughts and behavior. Nonetheless,

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Psychological Disorders 7 accessibility to CBT is limited following factors, such as cost, limited trained therapists, and cultural considerations. The second treatment option is pharmacological interventions . Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders because of their effectiveness in reducing symptoms, though their success varies among patients. For instance, benzodiazepines relieve anxious symptoms but expose patients to the risk of dependence; hence, professionals should prescribe them cautiously. According to Bandelow, Michaelis, and Wedekind (2022), administering medications entails ethical considerations, including informed consent, monitoring for side effects, and a balanced approach between medication and non-pharmacological treatments. The third option is exposure therapy, which progressively exposes individuals to anxiety- inducing situations or stimuli, empowering them to confront and habituate to their fears. According to Bandelow, Michaelis, and Wedekind (2022), this intervention is effective for patients with specific phobias, but its effects vary depending on the severity of the condition. Exposure therapy should be administered with care and respect for the client's boundaries; thus, informed consent and gradual exposure are fundamental ethical considerations. Some individuals find exposure therapy distressing, indicating the relevance of consulting patients in this critical process. The fourth approach is mindfulness-based interventions, including mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). According to Bandelow, Michaelis, and Wedekind (2022), these interventions have become popular following their efficiency in reducing anxiety by promoting awareness and acceptance. Mindfulness focuses on self-awareness and non-judgmental acknowledgment, aligning with ethical principles. Cultural sensitivity is vital when utilizing this

Psychological Disorders 8 option because some individuals raise religious or cultural concerns about mindfulness practices. For instance, online counseling has become a norm in the digital age, but it raises questions about data privacy and its effectiveness in ensuring intensive support for clients. The four treatment approaches have common ethical considerations, including informed consent, where clients understand the treatment, its potential benefits, and possible threats. Respecting clients’ right to independent choices concerning their treatment and involving them in the treatment planning process is critical to ensure client-centered care (Bandelow et al., 2022). Tailoring treatments to patients’ cultural backgrounds and preferences to avoid cultural insensitivity promotes safety, encouraging them to open up and build trust with their counselors. Moreover, they should protect client information and ensure therapy sessions are conducted in a confidential and safe environment. Undoubtedly, the efficacy and ethics associated with anxiety disorder treatments are intertwined. Though most treatments are effective, their ethical implementation is crucial. Consequently, an informed approach is essential for ethical care that upholds clients’ autonomy and wellness while effectively addressing anxiety symptoms. References

Psychological Disorders 9 Adwas, A. A., Jbireal, J. M., & Azab, A. E. (2019). Anxiety: Insights into signs, symptoms, etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment. East African Scholars Journal of Medical Sciences , 2 (10), 580-591. Bandelow, B., Michaelis, S., & Wedekind, D. (2022). Treatment of anxiety disorders. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience . Barlow, D. H., & Wolfe, B. E. (2020). Behavioral approaches to anxiety disorders: A report on the NIMH-SUNY, Albany, research conference. In The Neurotic Paradox, Volume 1 (pp. 58–67). Routledge. Clauss-Ehlers, C. S., Chiriboga, D. A., Hunter, S. J., Roysircar, G., & Tummala-Narra, P. (2019). APA Multicultural Guidelines executive summary: Ecological approach to context, identity, and intersectionality. American Psychologist , 74 (2), 232.

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