panic disorder
Write a term paper that contains five full pages describing panic disorder disorder from a biopsychosocial perspective.
Describe the disorder in terms of symptoms, describe biological, psychological, and social causes of the disorder and include information about treatment.
Symptoms may be described in terms of emotional symptoms, cognitive symptoms, behavioral symptoms, somatic symptoms, and impairment in social and occupational functioning.
Biological explanations may include the following: Brain structure and function, genetics, hormones, evolution/natural selection, neurotransmitters (oversupply, under supply, dysfunction)
Psychological explanations may include the following: Learning, memory, personality traits, cognition (thought patterns), trauma/stress, emotion/mood
Sociocultural explanations may include the following: Gender roles, socioeconomic status, locations (city or rural), school/education, cultural values, poverty
Treatment may include medications, cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, group therapy, client centered therapy
Sample Solution
Panic disorder is a mental health condition characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks. It is associated with significant emotional, cognitive and behavioral changes that can cause impairment in social and occupational functioning (Feder et al., 2015). In order to understand the biopsychosocial perspective of panic disorder, it is important to examine its symptoms, biological causes, psychological causes and social triggers.
The symptoms associated with panic disorder are both physical and psychological in nature. Commonly reported emotional symptoms include overwhelming fear or anxiety, as well as feelings of impending doom or dread (Feder et al., 2015). Cognitive symptoms can involve distorted thinking patterns such as catastrophic misinterpretations of bodily sensations or irrational beliefs about danger or risk (Feder et al., 2015). Behavioral symptoms may involve avoidance behaviors including avoiding places where attacks have occurred in the past and certain activities that provoke anxiousness (McLean & Anderson, 2014). Lastly somatic symptoms often accompany panic attacks which may include accelerated heart rate, chest pain/discomfort, shortness of breath and numbness/tingling sensations (McLean & Anderson, 2014).
A number of biological processes have been linked to the development of panic disorder; many researchers suggest that an imbalance between serotonin levels in the brain play a role in this regard (McLean & Anderson 2020). In addition there has been evidence linking genetic factors to increased vulnerability to developing this condition due to their influence on how an individual reacts emotionally when faced with stressors (Lee-Tauler & Ehlers 2009). Also underlying medical conditions such as thyroid disorders have been found to be related to increased risk for anxiety disorders including panic attack disorder.
In terms of psychological factors numerous stressors have been linked with increasing vulnerability for developing this condition like traumatic life events such as abuse or neglect during childhood or early adulthood; moreover stressful environmental situations like loss job can also increase susceptibility for developing Panic Disorder later on life(Anderson & Mclean 2011) Additionally personality traits such perfectionism overthinking being overly self-critical can also increase one’s chances for experiencing these types distressful episodes(Harvard Mental Health Letter 2011) .
Lastly certain socio-cultural influences like family dynamics values norms customs etc all seem contribute towards development this particular anxiety related issue(Kumar 2017 ).
In conclusion, Panic Disorder is complex mental health issue involving several variables from multiple perspectives. Currently treatment approaches vary depending upon individual circumstances but typically involve some combination psychotherapy medications lifestyle modifications relaxation techniques etc so that person suffering from debilitating episodes chronic worry might find themselves back on path healthy functioning again.(Peyton 2006 )
