An examination of the relationship between anxiety disorders & substance abuse and whether substance abuse can be viewed as a product of anxiety disorders.
Abstract The paper questions whether there is any evidence that increased levels of anxiety result in a higher incidence of substance abuse. People who are very anxious may consume larger quantities of alcohol, smoke more heavily or resort to drugs as a way of self medication in treating an anxiety disorder. The paper relates that the higher the levels of self-reported anxiety,the more difficult it is to complete a treatment program, with the possibility that the person will return to the disorder of abuse on completing the program. The paper continues and discusses subtle affinities of anxiety disorders with that of substance abuse, by indicating that there are minor differences between the amount of abuse by alcoholics who have anxiety disorders, and those that do not. This indicates that anxiety disorders are an independent factor in the study of substance abuse.
From the Paper "However, trait anxiety levels were positively correlated with negative substance abuse consequences, i.e., relapses even after treatment. Trait anxiety levels were also negatively correlated with the number of days an individual spent in treatment. In other words, the more anxiety problems that an individual experienced, the more likely it was that they would be substance abusers and the longer it would take for that individual to successfully complete the treatment program. Additionally, both state and trait anxiety levels were positively correlated with the level of addiction that the individual expressed, as measured and documented by the researchers (O'Leary et al., 2000). The implication of this finding is obvious: the higher the level of anxiety that an individual experience--in other words, the greater the possibility of an anxiety disorder--the more likely it would be for that individual to have a greater substance abuse problem."
Abstract This paper examines how anxiety is a recognized psychological condition that can have corresponding physical and emotional side effects. It looks at how in individuals susceptible to anxiety, including its manifestation in its extreme form of anxiety attacks, the impact of anxiety can have serious corresponding stress and lead to detrimental quality-of-life. This paper offers a study guide to a dissertation on anxiety.
From the Paper "Anxiety is a recognized psychological condition that can have corresponding physical and emotional side effects. In individuals susceptible to anxiety, including its manifestation in its extreme form of anxiety attacks, the impact of anxiety can have serious corresponding stress and lead to detrimental quality-of-life. Strategies for reducing anxiety are frequently recommended by mental health professionals, but testing for the effectiveness of these strategies is frequently ignored in the clinical research. In order to identify whether self-meditative anxiety relief strategies are effective, a qualitative case study is proposed to determine whether academic anxiety can be reduced or eliminated through this particular form of anxiety relief. "
Abstract In this article, the effects of anxiety in the workplace are examined. The writer discusses how anxiety and stress affect organizational communication. The writer looks at the management responses to stress and the importance of recognizing real and current sources of anxiety. Further, the writer discusses the impact of 9/11 on employee anxiety.
From the Paper "Whatever else the events of September 11 were they were also and specifically an assault on and destruction of the environment of the everyday workplace. In the system of capitalist economic organization, holding a job is among the most fundamental of experiences for members of society and within any organization involved in that system the demands of most forms of employment are undoubtedly compelling enough for most people, without the added element of physical danger deliberately imposed from the outside. The event heralded dramatic and irrevocable change that was plainly ... "
Abstract This well-researched paper examines the rising numbers of people diagnosed with various forms of generalized anxiety disorders. According to the National Institute of Mental Health generalized anxiety disorders (GAD) are one of the most common mental illnesses in the U.S. with more than 23 million people diagnosed each year. This paper details various varieties of anxiety disorders which fall under the heading of GAD, including: Panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder. This paper details the causes and symptoms of GAD as well as the available effective treatments which include: medication, specific forms of psychotherapy known as behavioral therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy, or a combination of medication and non-medication therapies. This paper also cites the results of a specific case study which ascertained the relative value of medication combined with traditional group therapy versus cognitive therapies alone in treating GAD.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Procedure/Method
Review of the Literature
Summary
References
From the Paper "To ascertain the relative value of medication combined with traditional group therapy vs. cognitive therapies alone in treating generalized anxiety disorder, two groups of young to middle-aged groups were initiated. Each group began with four members, drawn from clients of an Employee Assistance Program; all had developed generalized anxiety disorder after being transferred or otherwise coming under the supervision of various types of ineffective, antisocial, overbearing or micromanaging bosses. All of the participants were looking for other employment, but all had to cope with the situation as is in the meantime; with a soft job market, none expected to be able to wait it out without help and also, many had expressed a need to overcome the anxiety to make the job search possible."
This paper analyzes and examines anxiety disorders and bipolar disorder, including treatments available and recommendations for improving the awareness of these disorders.
Abstract Anxiety disorders and bipolar disorder are two of the most devastating psychological illnesses. Providing a concise and detailed overview of the various types of anxiety disorders and the different stages of bipolar disorder, as well as a discussion of treatment options, the author argues that while improvements have been made to the treatment and understanding of these illnesses, further improvements are necessary, including the integration of drug therapy and psychotherapy.
From the Paper "Despite the increasing awareness, education, knowledge, treatment, and understanding of psychological disorders, there is still no clear-cut, quick fix, and uniform method available to diagnose and/or eliminate (or at least reduce) mental illnesses and psychological disorders. Anxiety disorders and bipolar disorder are two of the most common mental illnesses that prevent an individual from functioning normally. While most individuals may arguably prefer to remain ignorant of the existence of anxiety disorders and/or bipolar disorder, the fact is that more than 23 million individuals suffer from anxiety disorders (Harvard, 1) while more than 3 million individuals suffer from bipolar disorder (Hollandsworth)."
Abstract This paper looks at the Gestalt theory, pioneered by Max Wertheimer in 1924, which attempts to examines the underlying causes of things by going back to the basic principles of science instead of just looking at something on its surface. In particular, it analyzes how it may be helpful in treating patients who have been diagnosed with social anxiety disorder or some other form of social phobia or antisocial behavior. It attempts to explain the both the theory and the disorder and then tie them together in order to clearly understand how the theory can be used in the modification of behavior in individuals with social anxiety and how many individuals can be helped and freed from the self-imposed prison that their disorder has created.
From the Paper "Those therapists who use Gestalt theory in the modern day often feel that it is very helpful in treating all kinds of anxiety and depression. Naturally, it is not the only therapy that is used, as existential, psychoanalytic, and behavioral therapies, among others, are also popular with anxiety and depression troubled individuals. It is, however, one of the leading therapies used for aging patients who have difficulty coping with the losses that often come with living a long time such as poor health, the death of a spouse, or unexpected parenting of grandchildren (Solomon, 1996). It is also popular with many other age groups and many different types of anxiety, including social anxiety."
Abstract From time to time, everyone feels a little anxious when they need to talk in front of people. However, some people are so anxious that it hinders them greatly. A person sits in front of the telephone and agonizes because she's afraid to pick up the receiver and make a call, a man finds it difficult to walk down the street because he is self-conscious and feels that people are watching from their windows. By explaining what social anxiety is, where it possibly comes from, and how we can treat it, this paper presents a better understanding of the people who are shy and why they act the way they act.
From the Paper "Shy people, particularly if they are interacting with a socially confident person, anxiously focus on themselves rather on the person or the conversation. The outcome of this is that they usually forget what they were talking about. Shy individuals report more negative thoughts about themselves in social interactions, seeing themselves as inhibited, awkward, unfriendly and incompetent, particularly with people whom they are sexually attracted to. Ten to twenty percent of shy individuals may also lack basic social skills. This may mean that they don?t know what to say or do, how to do so, and when best to respond. Ratings have shown that some shy individuals talk less, initiate fewer topics of conversation, touch themselves nervously and show fewer facial expressions."
Tags:anxiety, disorder, focus, phobia, self, shyness, social
Abstract This paper presents Sigmund Freud's views on overeating due to anxiety. The paper reviews Freud's concepts of the ego, id, superego and the unconscious and applies them to this situation. The paper also considers Freud's theories on the role of the libido.
Abstract This paper focuses on the issue of college students who drink, suffer from social phobia or from a social anxiety disorder. The paper attempts to determine the percentage of students suffer from social phobia and that routinely drink heavily at social functions, in order to possibly provide intervention programs for these students.
Abstract Statistics anxiety has been defined simply as anxiety that occurs as a result of encountering statistics in any form and at any level. The paper shows that higher anxiety in statistics keep many students away from engaging in research work to pursue an academic career. Statistics becomes one of the most anxiety-inducing courses in their programs of study. The paper examines the problem and shows how it affects students.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
Empirical Research on Statistical Anxiety Three Common Factors of Statistical Anxiety Framework/Model to Reduce Statistical Anxiety in Counselor Education
Conclusion
Impact/Benefits for Students Seeking Ph.D.
From the Paper "A variety of peer learning environment designs to support effective collaborative learning has been attempted or proposed. The backbone of collaborative learning is the willingness of the peers to participate in collaboration in a constructive sense. This has been studied by a number of educational psychology researchers [Madden & Slavin1983,Slavin1978] who confirm that the peers in collaborating classes felt that their peers wanted them to learn. Slavin [Slavin1990] reports studies that confirm the willingness of peers to make the collaborative learning efforts succeed and the improvement in social status of the peers who achieved better than other peers."
Abstract The paper explains that the purpose of this study is to illustrate how lack of familial communication and self-esteem, compounded by emotional abuse, can lead to generalized anxiety and diminished self- regulatory patterns, associated with anxiety sensitivity disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy is integrated into the findings of the study and presented as a treatment alternative. The client selected for this study is a 45 year old Caucasian woman with a history of anxiety. The paper explains the anxiety disorder and discusses the use of cognitive behavior therapy to help people with anxiety transform maladaptive thinking patterns into more positive and self promoting behaviors.
Outline:
Introduction
Etiology and Factors Influencing Anxiety Sensitivity
Theoretical Basis for Clinical Treatment
Client History
Case Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "The client selected for this study is a 45 year old Caucasian woman with a history of anxiety. The selection is based on the following interest areas (1) the clients perceived inability to take charge or control of her personal situation and subsequently, control of her child (2) the client's history of apparent indirect emotional abuse at the hands of her husband and (3) the client developed anxiety in response to the difficulty she is experiencing in her relationships with her husband and son which ultimately serve to impair her daily living, meeting the criteria for affective disorders including depression and anxiety, but more specifically for anxiety sensitivity and generalized anxiety disorder (Bowman, et al. 1997; Reiss, 1991)."
Abstract This paper explores combined cognitive behavioral and attachment theory applications in treating generalized anxiety. It reviews and critiques various cognitive behavioral approaches, as well as three attachment theories. The paper presents a case study in which the writer utilized behavioral management techniques and applied positive and negative reinforcements to alter an unpleasant behavior to a more appropriate and pleasant one. It presents the results of the study.
Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: Introduction
A. Purpose of Study
B. Overview of Study
C. Importance of Study
Chapter II. Theoretical Bases for Clinical Treatment
A. Cognitive/Behavioral Theory and Generalized Anxiety 1. Aaron Beck
2. Albert Ellis
3. Michael W. Eysenck
B. Attachment Theory and Generalized Anxiety 1. John Bowlby
2. Mary Ainsworth
3. Margaret Mahler
Chapter III. Client information
A. Presenting Problems and Initial Diagnosis
B. Client's Family History
C. Client's Present Circumstances
Chapter IV. Treatment History
A. Early Phase
1. Identifying Client's Underlying Assumptions
2. Managing Anxiety Effects
B. Middle Phase
1. Client Develops Ability to Recognize Causes for Anxiety Implementing New Behaviors to Prevent Anxiety Improving Communication with Her Son
4. Addressing Issues with Alcoholic Husband
C. Final Phase
1. Transference and Counter Transference Issues
New Concerns on the Horizons
Chapter V. Conclusions
From the Paper "Not surprisingly, EFT interventions have received a great deal of attention in recent years; in this approach, the clinician moves recursively between three tasks: (a) monitoring and actively fostering a positive alliance, (b) expanding and restructuring key emotional experiences, and (c) structuring enactments that either clarify present patterns of interaction or, step by step, shape new, more positive patterns (Robbins et al., 2003). Generally speaking, EFT therapists continually track and reflect upon the process by which both inner emotional realities and interactions are created. The therapist also validates each partner's realities and habitual responses so that partners feel safe to explore and own these. Internal experience is expanded by evocative questions that develop the outline of such experience into a sharply focused and detailed portrait (Robbins et al., 2003). Emotion may be heightened by images or repetition, or the therapist may go one step beyond how clients construct their experience by adding an element, such as asking if someone is not, as they say, only "uncomfortable" but even a little anxious. The therapist also reframes interactional responses in terms of underlying emotions and attachment needs and fears and choreographs enactments. The therapist follows and leads but is most active in Stage Two, particularly when structuring the change events mentioned previously (Robbins et al., 2003)."
Abstract The purpose of this study is to determine if new graduate students using online education programs are experiencing more anxiety than their traditional education program counterparts. The paper attempts to promote a better understanding of the sources of that anxiety and to discover how this information may be used to assist educators in developing effective anxiety intervention programs.
Outline:
Introduction
Distance or Online Learning
Anxiety Overview
Anxiety in Traditional Education Programs
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Rationale for the Research
Research Question and Hypotheses
Significance of the Research
Procedure and Analysis
Summary
Purpose of the Study
Anxiety in Online Educational Programs
Statement of the Problem
From the Paper "Education in the twenty first century is no longer the "3 R's". With the explosion of mega technology, virtual reality, and science, education in the twenty first century is being propelled into an arena that is vastly culturally diverse, becoming increasingly global, and bombarded with new innovations. As such, today's educational system must be prepared to meet the needs of those seeking an education from the distant corners of the world. Should today's educators fail to meet these needs of the twenty first century student, then entire economic, scientific, and cultural structure of the world will be immensely jeopardized. "
Abstract This paper examines how anxiety disorders and phobias are some of the most common emotional disorders that people can have and how their commonality, however, does not make them any more pleasant or easy to deal with for those who are suffering from them. It looks at how anxiety disorders can take many different forms, which further complicates the matter, and how there are about as many phobias as there are things to have phobias about. It discusses how A.T. Beck has written an interesting and informative book on anxiety and phobias, taking the cognitive approach to their treatment. This paper examines Beck's book and the issue of anxiety disorders and phobias in general.
From the Paper "As can be seen, general anxiety disorder is not a pleasant thing. It leaves the sufferer unable to stop worrying for a significant amount of time. Worse, those worries and the physical symptoms associated with them begin to interfere in the person's daily life. Often tranquilizers or other psychotropic drugs are needed to combat this disorder and to bring the person back into a normal frame of mind. Cognitive therapy is very helpful in this area, as well. The cognitive therapist will ask the person a series of probing, Socratic questions, trying to determine the underlying cause of the worrying and the symptoms associated with it. This method of treatment is often very effective, and drugs, if they are needed, can usually be discontinued after successful treatment by a cognitive therapist."
Abstract This paper provides a review of the relevant peer-reviewed literature concerning social anxiety published within the last few years; seminal studies in the field are also cited where required. An overview of social anxiety is followed by a description of current pharmacological and psychotherapy treatment modalities for social anxiety. A discussion of how a combination of these modalities can be used in treating social anxiety concludes the chapter.
Outline:
Introduction
Overview of Social Anxiety Pharmacological Approaches
Combination of Approaches
From the Paper "According to Davidson and Mccabe (2005), there growing body of research concerning social anxiety in adolescents and young adults suggests that young people who suffer from social anxiety may be overly concerned about their appearance and impaired social functioning. As these authors report, "College students who perceive themselves as unattractive have been shown to be more likely to avoid cross-sex interactions, to engage in less intimate social interactions with members of the same and other sex, and to experience higher levels of social anxiety."
