Anxiety can be simply defined as feelings of disagreeable apprehension, depression, and nervousness. A person is said to be suffering from anxiety disorder(s) when his conduct demonstrates clear reflection of anxiety-related symptoms (Nevid, 2006). Behavioral theories emphasize on learning the etiological foundations of anxiety. According to such theories, human beings have an instinctive inclination to learn particular fears that ultimately results in the development and manifestation of fears/anxiety. For instance, human beings possess an innate fear to lose control. In a similar fashion, the anticipation of disaster/danger is also a learned form of anxiety. On the other hand, medical model explains anxiety disorders to have a direct association with the physical condition of the sufferer. The advocates of the mentioned model believe that the presence of a physical symptom profile makes anxiety disorders a medical problem. For instance, depression alters the blood chemistry and anxiety disorders cause physical arousal. This theory implies that anxiety disorders need medical treatment believing that such disorders are a direct consequence of improper brain functioning. According to psychoanalytic theory, anxiety disorders are a result of uncertain unconscious conflict. Proponents of this theory imply that several problems faced during one’s childhood contribute in the development of anxiety disorders in the later life. Hurtful feelings and agonizing memories tend to get stuck in one’s subconscious ultimately manifesting themselves in the form of anxiety disorders (Kandel, 2005). As far as my opinion is concerned, I believe that psychoanalytic theory best explains the causes of anxiety disorders. If the truth is told, there is no human experience without the presence of physical and psychological components. Separating psychology from anxiety disorders is a ridiculous idea as presented by mental model theory. Therefore, psychological treatments must be considered as the first option to treat anxiety disorders.
References
Kandel, E. (2005). Psychiatry, psychoanalysis, and the new biology of mind. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Pub.
Nevid, J. (2006). Essentials of psychology: Concepts and applications. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin.
