Anxiety disorders area common group of mental illnesses that affect almost 30% of adults at a given point in their lifetime (Nolen-Hoeksema, & Rector, 2015). The disease is primarily characterized by a consistent worry and fear that stays over an extended period hence interfering with daily activities and relationships. Examples of anxiety disorders include panic, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder amongst others. Several theories can be used to explain the etiology of mental disorders such as the anxiety disorders. The theories include the medical model, behavioral theory, and the psychoanalytic theory. Taylor (2014) intimated that the medical model would explain anxiety disorders from a psychopathological standpoint. It would apply medical models that focus on genetics, neuroanatomy, neurotransmitters, and neurophysiology amongst others. An interrelationship between brain chemistry and genetics are the medical explanations given with regards to anxiety disorders.
The psychoanalytic theory has done tremendous work in attempting to explain the origin of anxiety as a function of unresolved unconscious feelings. Sigmund Freud explains that anxiety is as a result of the conflicts between the id, ego, and the superego (Nolen-Hoeksema, & Rector, 2015). However, the psychoanalytical argument is regarded by many as a complex explanation that fails to account for some of the symptoms associated with the mental disorder. It also fails to account for the therapy that could be used to treat the anxiety as a disorder.
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Thirdly, some researchers postulate the behavioral theory to intimate that certain mental disorders emanate from learned behavior. Such researchers associate classic conditioning in the development of anxiety disorders. However, this is equally a controversial explanation because it always fails to account for the initial classic conditioning event that resulted in anxiety disorders. It is therefore apparent that the three theories have their shortcomings in explaining the etiology and treatment of anxiety disorders (Taylor, 2014). The mental illness is as a result of the association between genetics, psychopathology, and social learning. The best theory that gives the cause and treatment rationale for anxiety disorder would, therefore, be the medical model.
References
Nolen-Hoeksema, S., & Rector, N. A. (2015). Abnormal psychology . Boston: McGraw-Hill.
Taylor, S. (Ed.). (2014). Anxiety sensitivity: Theory, research, and treatment of the fear of anxiety . Routledge.
