Running head: EXPLORING ANXIETY DISORDERS 1
Exploring Anxiety Disorders
Kirsten Lee Ann Sheridan
Liberty University
Abstract
EXPLORING ANXIETY DISORDERS 2
The following is a research paper selected to assist in the further understanding of and working
with psychopathology and counseling. This research paper is intended to concisely cover, assess,
evaluate, examine, and address various specifiers, symptoms, aspects, and factors exhibited due
to a mental health disorder within a DSM-5 category. Based on that, this research paper will
analyze and examine the disorders associated with the category of “Anxiety Disorders” within
and accordingly to the DSM-5. This research paper based on the DSM-5 category of Anxiety
Disorders will succinctly review the disorders associated within this category, the possible
elements triggering these conditions, the methods used to assess and classify its particular
disorders, the treatment alternatives and opportunities for such afflictions, a biblical outlook
regarding the above ailments and their treatment options, and further proposed explorative
analyses for the disorders associated within this category. This research paper will cover all the
above shared material to provide an appropriate synopsis of all disorders associated within the
category of Anxiety Disorders according to the DSM-5 with further implementation of support
from other empirical studies.
Exploring Anxiety Disorders
EXPLORING ANXIETY DISORDERS 3
Anxiety disorders are a category within the DSM-5 consisting of eleven different
disorders. These disorders can vary in features, symptoms, and diagnostic criterion. However,
each disorder through this category do share features associated with “excessive fear and anxiety
and related behavioral disturbances” (APA, 2013, p. 189). Regarding these disorders, they can
also vary in potential causes when considering both genetic and biological causations.
Furthermore, anxiety disorders can vary in the evaluation processes and the appropriate
treatment methods. Anxiety disorders affect, impact, and are exhibited by 19.1% of the adult
population and 31.9% of the adolescent population (National Institute of Mental Health, 2019).
With that, anxiety disorders need to be assessed and reviewed as well as potential genetic and
biological causes, evaluation processes and treatment options, theological, social, and cultural
perspectives, and future research considerations in association with these disorders.
As shared, the category of anxiety disorders consists of eleven different disorders
according to the DSM-5. These are as follows; Separation Anxiety Disorder, Selective Mutism,
Specific Phobia, Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia), Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia,
Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Substance/Medication-Induced Anxiety Disorder, Anxiety
Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition, Other Specified Anxiety Disorder, and Unspecified
Anxiety Disorder (APA, 2013). However, do vary regarding diagnostic criterion and other
features which is reflected below in the overviews of each of these disorders.
Separation Anxiety Disorder (309.21/F93.0) exhibits symptoms and responses associated
with connections and separations and can present within both children and adults (APA, 2013).
This disorder consists of four different diagnostic criterion and features of disproportionated
anxiety and/or fear regarding being separated from those one may be attached to and/or their
residence (APA, 2013). This disorder’s diagnostic criteria consist of meeting three of eight
EXPLORING ANXIETY DISORDERS 4
developmentally inappropriate responses regarding the excessiveness of anxiety and/or fear, the
longevity of these experienced responses, the severity of affects and impacts, and the
determination that these responses cannot be more appropriately related to another mental health
disorder (APA, 2013). This disorder, its features, prevalence, development and course, risk and
prognostic factors, culture-related and gender related diagnostic issues, suicide risk, functional
consequences, differential diagnoses, and comorbidity can all vary based on the population being
diagnosed. For example, many of these aspects vary in how they make look in child population
from the adult population. Regarding this disorder, its diagnostic criteria, and its array of features
and aspects, children can often also have these disorders; specific phobia and generalized anxiety
while adults can oftentimes further have these disorders; obsessive-compulsive, generalized
anxiety, specific phobia, social anxiety, agoraphobia, panic, personality, PTSD, bipolar, and
depressive (APA, 2013).
Selective Mutism Disorder (313.23/F94.0) consists of features associated social anxiety
and typically presents within children and is shared to “more likely manifest in young children
than in adolescents and adults” (APA, 2013, p. 196). It consists of five diagnostic criteria and
features regarding social, emotional, and educational aspects. This disorder’s five diagnostic
criterion consist of failing to speak in social settings, interference occurs social, educationally,
occupationally, emotionally, et cetera, the length of these experienced responses, the lack of
speaking is not in association with the environment and its expected to be employed interactions,
and the fact that it cannot be better diagnosed as another disorder (i.e. autism, communication,
schizophrenia, and/or psychotic) (APA, 2013). The responses and features associated with this
disorder typically present in social settings reflecting significant social anxiety within those that
exhibit these responses and/or are diagnosed with this disorder (APA, 2013). Selective Mutism
EXPLORING ANXIETY DISORDERS 5
Disorder can also coexist with these disorders; specific phobia, social anxiety, separation anxiety,
and occasionally, communicative and oppositional (APA, 2013).
Specific Phobia is a disorder that exhibits symptoms of anxiety and fear in response to
specific stimuli and can present in both children and adults (APA, 2013). It consists of seven
diagnostic criteria with an array of specifiers. The diagnostic criteria consist of responses of
anxiety and/or fear associated about a particular circumstance or thing, anxiety and/or fear is
triggered immediately in response to this specific experience or thing, this particular
circumstance or thing is intently avoided or when exposed to, intensive anxiety and/or fear is
exhibited in response to it, disproportionated anxiety and/or fear is reflected in response to the
real danger, the longevity of these responses have lasted for six months or even longer, severity
of its impacts and affects are of significance, and these responses cannot be more accurately
explained by any other disorders (APA, 2013). While the specifiers consist of these phobia
stimuli; “animal, natural environment, blood-injection injury, situational,” and “other” (APA,
2013, p. 198). According to the Kring and Johnson textbook “Abnormal Psychology: The
Science and Treatment of Psychological Disorders” (2018), specific phobia disorder is “very
likely to have a specific phobia for a second object or situation” making it a “highly comorbid”
disorder.” Furthermore, and oftentimes, it can be associated with other disorders such as those of
the depressive, anxiety, substance-related, bipolar, somatic symptom and related, and personality
(APA, 2013).
Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia; 300.23/F40.10) exhibits responses and
symptoms of anxiety and fear triggered by social interactions and can also be exhibited by and
diagnosed within children and adults (APA, 2013). This disorder consists of ten criterions for
meeting diagnostic criteria and a specifier. The diagnostic criterion associated with this disorder
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are that of; anxiety and/or fear exhibited in response to social interactions, response of fear in
association with being personally viewed/judged as negative, response of anxiety and/or fear
triggered by social interactions, avoidance of social interactions, disproportionated responses
regarding exhibited anxiety and/or fear are that of irrational compared to the actuality of threat
associated with social interactions, the length of exhibited responses has lasted for six months or
in some cases longer, significant impacts and affects within specific, important areas of life’s
functions are present, responses are not exhibited in association with substance abuse, and the
responses are not more appropriately elucidated due to any other disorders and/or medical
conditions (APA, 2013). A specifier within this disorder is that of performance and performance
type only social anxiety disorder which reflects anxiety and/or fear is association with
performance fears (i.e. public speaking) (APA, 2013). This further reflects that this disorder can
reflect various responses, effects, and expressions as Kring and Johnson (2018) shared that
individuals may exhibit anxiety regarding public speaking only and no other social experiences
however and in contrast, other individuals may exhibit fear in response to most social
experiences. This disorder can further present with comorbidity as it oftentimes can also coexist
with these disorders in adults; substance use, major depressive, and anxiety, and with these
disorders in children; selective mutism and autism (APA, 2013).
Panic Disorder (300.01/F41.0) consists of continuously occurring panic attacks triggered
by fear and anxiety and can be present in both adults and adolescents (APA, 2013). Its diagnostic
criterion consists of four factors and a specifier of panic attack (APA, 2013). These criteria
factors are as follows; exhibited abrupt appearance of panic attacks that also consist of four or
more of the symptoms associated under this response (Criterion A), the exhibited longevity and
further triggered behaviors of such attacks associated under this response (Criterion B), and the
EXPLORING ANXIETY DISORDERS 7
responses cannot be justifiably associated with substance use and/or other mental health
diagnoses or disorders (APA, 2013). Further considering diagnostic criteria, Kring and Johnson
(2018) stress the importance of remembering to consider the reoccurrence of panic attacks must
be present and the attacks’ according and appropriate symptoms and responses to assist in
accurate and correct diagnosis. Further regarding the specifier for this disorder and that of panic
attack, causation of the panic attack must be considered (i.e. in association with PTSD), and/or
physical and/or emotional symptoms as specifiers and are exhibited in response to having a panic
attack that has been triggered by an outlying factor (APA, 2013). Also, and according to the
DSM-5 (2013), panic disorder can present with comorbidity as it can exist with these other
disorders; mild alcohol use, bipolar, major depression, anxiety and agoraphobia.
Agoraphobia (300.22/F40.00) exhibits symptoms and responses of fear and anxiety and
can present in both adolescents and adults (APA, 2013). It consists of nine diagnostic criteria
which are as follows; exhibited anxiety and/or fear regarding at two out of circumstances (i.e.
being in spaces that are open/closed, standing in lines, experiences outside, et cetera), avoidance
of such circumstances due to exhibiting of anxiety and/or fear that relief will be nonexistent if
escalating anxiety and/or fear and/or an incident does, anxiety and/or fear are often triggered by
circumstances, exhibited need for assistance from another individual, encounter with, and/or
further avoidance present regarding these circumstances, the anxiety and/or fear presents as rash
compared to the true (untrue) threat, the length of the anxiety and/or fear and its associated
symptoms/responses have lasted for at least six months and may last longer, the severity of the
impacts and affects associated with this disorder present with significance regarding responses,
and the exhibited anxiety and/or fear as well as responses are not due to another medical
condition and are also not more precisely interpreted through the responses/symptoms from any
EXPLORING ANXIETY DISORDERS 8
other mental health disorder (APA, 2013). This disorder can coexist with other disorders as
according to Kring and Johnson (2018), individual whom exhibit symptoms associated with
agoraphobia can also have incidences of panic attacks. Furthermore, and according to the DSM-5
(2013), agoraphobia can present with other mental disorders as well such as depressive disorders,
PTSD, alcohol use disorder, and varying anxiety disorders.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (300.02/F41.1) exhibits features of worry and anxiety and
can present in both children and adults (APA, 2013). The diagnostic criterion for this consists of
six principles. The six diagnostic criteria and features associated with this disorder are those of
extreme exhibited worry and anxiety with an occurrence of at least six months and on more days
than less in response to specific situations, exhibited challenges regulating worrisome and
anxious responses, exhibiting and presenting with at least three (only one necessary for a child)
of the six symptoms associated under this disorder (Criterion C), the severity of the presenting
symptoms/responses are of significance through their impact and effect on imminent and critical
areas of functioning in life, and cannot be connected to or causation by another medical disorder
or best explained by another mental health disorder (APA, 2013). Kring and Johnson (2018)
further reflect on these causations, symptoms and responses also; marital distress, having hardly
any friendships, and challenges in a work environment (common or “general” stressors,
hardships, and trials). Regarding this criteria, causations, symptoms and/or responses and
according to the DSM-5, generalized anxiety disorder can and/or have coexist/ed with other
disorders such as unipolar depressive and other anxiety disorders with a high likelihood and a
lower likelihood with disorders such as neurocognitive, substance use, psychotic,
neurodevelopmental, and conduct.
EXPLORING ANXIETY DISORDERS 9
Substance/Medication-Induced Anxiety Disorder exhibits features associated with
substance and/or medication usage while prevalence reflects uncertainty (APA, 2013). This
disorder consist of five diagnostic criteria and multiple specifiers which are as follows;
significant presence of anxiety and panic attacks, presenting indicative responses/symptoms such
as anxiety and panic attacks in response to being substance/medication-induced, the
symptoms/responses cannot be more accurately related to another anxiety disorder, the
responses/symptoms do not present entirely alone throughout a delirious course, and the
symptoms/responses reflect a significant severity of deteriorations and afflictions which are seen
through the impacts and affects throughout important areas of life and functioning while its
specifiers consist of and consider these onsets; after medication usage, during intoxication, and
during withdrawal (APA, 2013).
Anxiety Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition (293.84/F06.4) presents with
characteristics associated with physiological effects from another medical diagnosis which
further triggers symptoms correlating to panic attacks and/or anxiety (APA, 2013). Its prevalence
also reflects uncertainty currently (APA, 2013). This disorder consists of five categories for its
diagnostic criterion which are the presenting significance and severity of anxiety and/or panic
attacks, presenting proven psychopathological signs causing such responses/symptoms of anxiety
and/or panic attacks, the symptoms/responses are not more appropriately elucidated by any other
mental health disorders, and the responses/symptoms significantly impair and distress through
impacting and affecting the functioning in critical areas of life (APA, 2013).
Other Specified Anxiety Disorder (300.09/F41.8) displays with some of the symptoms
associated with many of the other anxiety disorders (APA, 2013). It can present within any
population as its specifications are broad however, still can cause significant, severe damage and
EXPLORING ANXIETY DISORDERS 10
affliction in essential areas of life and functioning (APA, 2013). This disorder is only diagnosed
if the presenting features, responses/symptoms, and criteria are not better explained by another
mental health disorder and/or anxiety disorder (APA, 2013). Furthermore, and according to the
DSM-5 (2013), this disorder can be diagnosed based on examples such as nerves being attacked,
generalized anxiety that doesn’t occur more days than less, attacks associated with limited
symptoms/responses, and wind attacks.
Unspecified Anxiety Disorder (300.00/F41.9) illustrates symptoms/responses similarly
associated with other anxiety disorders (APA, 2013). The presenting responses/symptoms will
further reflect the severity of the impacts and effects of difficulties and destruction significantly
presenting in crucial areas of life and functioning. This disorder is typically only diagnosed if the
presenting criterion, symptoms/responses, and features cannot be more accurately and
accordingly interpreted and/or related to another mental health disorder and/or anxiety disorder
while it is further only diagnosed in circumstantial situations such as by a clinician in an
emergency room setting (APA, 2013).
Following consideration of the above disorders, further examination should be given to
their potential causations. Potential causations should involve analyses regarding genetic and
biological factors.
Genetic factors should always be considered and recognized regarding all mental
disorders. Genetic factors present with importance when studying, examining, evaluating, and
treating mental disorders. Identifying with and considering genetic factors can assist clinicians
and individuals in further comprehending, assisting and supporting, and treating mental
disorders. Like many mental disorders, anxiety disorders can be associated with genetic
causations. For example and according to Kring and Johnson (2018), a study was conducted by
EXPLORING ANXIETY DISORDERS 11
Kendler, Aggen, et al. from 2011 to support the idea that genetic factors present as a causation
for anxiety disorders and a risk for anxiety disorders as it reflected that genes could be an
explanation for 50-60 percent of anxiety disorders and the risks for them within the study’s
population. In considering that and further considering Kring and Johnson, genetic factors can
trigger and heighten the risk of anxiety disorders. Also, “some genes may elevate risk for several
different anxiety disorders” (Kring & Johnson, 2018, p. 174).
To further support and grasp the importance of identifying with and considering genetic
factors and their influences on anxiety disorders, research studies conducted have been examined
and their reflections explained. For example, a research study was conducted by Grigorenko, et
al. from 2012 titled “Bringing a development perspective to anxiety genetics,” and produced
significant results regarding genetics through these considerations of and approaches towards;
heritability, candidate gene approaches, genome-wide approaches, genome-wide association
studies (GWAS), and genome-wide copy number variation (CNV) studies (Grigorenko, et al.,
2012). Following these considerations and approaches, am important reflection presented in that
“genetic results suggest that though the anxiety disorders may show phenotypic differentiation,
even beginning at early developmental stages (Mian, Godoy, Briggs-Gowan, & Carter, 2011)
many of the disorders share genetic influences” (Grigorenko, et al. 2012). Another research study
was conducted regarding anxiety disorders titled “The association between parental
mood/anxiety disorders and psychiatric symptoms and disorders in young adult offspring” which
further offered and reinforced the impacts and importance of genetic factors when considering
anxiety disorders (Low, et al., 2013). It did this through its reflected meaningful results regarding
association between mood/anxiety disorders in parents and their offspring. For example, one
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telling result reflected that “maternal disorders were associated with diagnosed psychiatric
disorders, as well as symptoms of specific anxiety disorders, in offspring” (Low, et al., 2013).
Reflecting on this information further reinforces that genetic factors need to be examined
as they can be a significant reason for the development of an anxiety disorder. This can be further
accepted and comprehended through studies shared above amongst other presenting factors such
as there is now “evidence that anxiety disorders are familial and heritable (Hettema, Neale, &
Kendler, 2001)” (Grigorenko, et al., 2012). The DSM-5 (2013) further supports this statement as
it shares that 61% of heritability is associated with the anxiety disorder of Agoraphobia. When
consideration is given to these factors and an individual’s genes, heredity, and origin, further
appropriate investigation, understanding of, and evaluating and treating can be conducted
regarding anxiety disorders.
Following potential genetic factors for causations of anxiety disorders, consideration
should also be given to biological factors as potential causations for anxiety disorders. Biological
factors should also always be considered as they present with just as much importance as genetic
factors when it comes to the study, examination, evaluation, and treatment of mental disorders
and interpreting the potential causations for anxiety disorders. Recognizing and being mindful of
biological factors can also assist clinicians and individuals in the comprehension of mental
disorders and how to appropriately assist, support, address, and treat them. Biological factors
present within many mental disorders and can also be associated with anxiety disorders as
potential causations.
Biological factors that should be considered regarding anxiety disorders should be that of
the brain and its parts and how the brain and its structures respond to anxiety and fear. For
example, and according to Kring and Johnson (2018), the fear circuit and activity of
EXPLORING ANXIETY DISORDERS 13
neurotransmitters needs to be understood to further comprehend how the brain and its regions of
the hippocampus, amygdala, and medial prefrontal cortex regulates and responses to fear and
anxiety associated with anxiety disorders. Further neurobiological factors present regarding
anxiety and the brain as other regions and according to Kring and Johnson (2018) also affect the
responses and process of stimuli to fear and anxiety such as the bed nucleus of the stria
terminals, anterior cingulate cortex, and the insula. An example of an anxiety disorder presenting
with biological factors as shared in the DSM-5 (2013) is that of “Panic Disorder.”
To further support such factors, research studies have been conducted and their
conclusions will be reflected on. One research study conducted by Lamers, et al. from 2018 titled
“Mood Reactivity and Affective Dynamics in Mood and Anxiety Disorders” considered such
biological factors throughout the study and determined individuals’ responses. These responses
were reflected throughout the research and its results as it was shared that “significant main
effects of positive and negative events on the severity of both sad and anxious mood states, with
positive events improving mood states and negative events worsening mood states” (Lamers, et
al., 2018) further reflecting and reinforcing the importance of considering biological factors and
understanding their impacts and affects regarding anxiety disorders. Additionally, another
research study conducted by Duits, et al. from 2017 regarding anxiety disorders titled
“Enhancing Effects of Contingency Instructions on Fear Acquisition and Extinction in Anxiety”
further supports this subtopic as its results reflected that their study regarding individuals
responses “demonstrates that instructing patients with anxiety disorders about cues that announce
a threat situation helps to reduce fear responses in situations that are in fact safe. The results
suggest that instructions regarding stimulus-threat associations might improve short-term
treatment efficacy in patients with anxiety disorders.” Thus, reflecting the presence of biological
EXPLORING ANXIETY DISORDERS 14
factors, how they can trigger anxiety, and how they are potential causations in association with
anxiety disorders.
Biological factors present with a necessity to be considered just as genetic factors do
regarding anxiety disorders. Biological factors present with this necessity as they reflect
important key features in understanding how individuals with anxiety disorders may respond and
regulate those responses. When the mental analysis and examination of biological factors is
conducted, the pathology and physiology in associated with anxiety disorders can be further
comprehended. With that, appropriate evaluation/s and treatment/s of anxiety disorders can also
be achieved.
Evaluation and treatment are also important processes and options associated with mental
disorders. These can present with various processes and methodologies as they can and will vary
depending on the individual being assessed, settings and environments, and other potential
barriers of which clinicians need to be cautiously mindful of. In considering that, these processes
and options also present with utmost importance as these aspects should be, with deliberation,
considered to ethically, efficiently, and effectively evaluate these disorders which will ultimately
lead to diagnosing individuals accordingly especially those of anxiety disorders.
With that, evaluation and assessment processes need to be considered regarding all mental
disorders. These processes should consist of considering the criterion associated with mental
disorders according to the DSM-5 while further acknowledging and implementing assessment
and monitoring (screening) tools and measures. Like all mental disorders and the diagnosing of
these, anxiety disorders also have evaluation and assessment processes. It is important to
recognize the symptoms (self-reported and observed) as well as criterion exhibited according to
the DSM-5 to evaluate, assess and potentially diagnosis and treat accordingly. It is also of
EXPLORING ANXIETY DISORDERS 15
importance to utilize and implement an appropriate assessment monitoring (screening) tool(s)
and/or measure(s) for a further accurate evaluation, assessment, and potential diagnosis and
treatment. Furthermore, “patient self-reported symptoms are of crucial importance to identify
anxiety disorders, as well as to monitor their treatment in clinical practice and research” (Rose &
Devine, 2014). These present with a significance importance as they will further warrant the
implementation of appropriate tools and/or measures. Depending on an individual’s symptoms,
some evaluation and assessment monitoring (screening) tool(s) and/or measure(s) (scales) often
utilized and implemented when evaluating and assessing for an anxiety disorder can be those of
the; Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), Generalized Anxiety
Disorder (GAD-7), Lehrer Woolfolk Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire (LWASQ) (Rose &
Devine, 2014), and even “Screen for Child Related Anxiety Disorders (SCARED)” (Anxiety and
Depression Association of America, 2018) specifically for adolescents. Utilization and
implementation of these tools and measures (scales) further assists in accurate diagnoses and
thus, treatment options.
Following the evaluation and assessment process, the need for treatment presents.
Treatment options, like evaluation and assessment processes, can vary based on the mental
disorder. For anxiety disorders, an array of treatment options present. For example, Kring and
Johnson (2018) focus on treatment options, objectives, strategies, and interventions surrounding
psychological treatment methods such as exposure treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
as they reflect significant effective and satisfactory impacts for anxiety disorders. However,
Kring and Johnson (2018) also focus on how medication management can present as a treatment
option (objective, strategy, and intervention) also for anxiety disorders.
EXPLORING ANXIETY DISORDERS 16
As shared, treatment options and their associated objectives, strategies, and interventions
can vary with mental disorders and anxiety disorders, especially depending on the individual
receiving treatment. With that, a less secular treatment option is also available to individuals
whom are more spiritual through a theological approach. This treatment option is that of
“Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)” which and according to Jones and Butman
(2011) can be associated under and with both behavioral and cognitive therapeutic treatment
options and approaches. It is further shared by Jones and Butman (2011) that Acceptance and
Commitment Therapy (ACT) was developed from a grounded approach regarding functional
contextual philosophy to make human suffering clear and encourage and guide change and its
processes. To further reinforce this therapeutic treatment option and approach, a research study
titled “The God of Anxiety” (Lara, 2018) was conducted that implemented Acceptance and
Commitment Therapy (ACT) on an individual whom was religious yet had been diagnosed with
an anxiety disorder (amongst other disorders). This research study employed the treatment option
and method Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to assist in an effective integration of
treatment and theology (Lara, 2018). While integrative issues may have presented, it was
reflected and determined that through implementation, integration, and mindfulness of such
exercises (objectives, strategies, interventions) associated with Acceptance and Commitment
Therapy (ACT) and values, principles, morals, et cetera can ultimately assist individuals in
coping and healing with their mental and/or anxiety disorders (Lara, 2018).
With that, both secular and theological treatment options and approaches can be of
significance assistance and support for individuals with mental and/or anxiety disorders.
However, other factors that should be also be considered when treating (and evaluating and
assessing) anxiety disorders and include those of social and cultural aspects. According to Wang,
EXPLORING ANXIETY DISORDERS 17
Hsu, Chiu, and Liang (2012) and their research study titled “The hierarchical model of social
interaction and depression: The critical roles of fears of evaluation,” social structures can
significantly trigger anxiety responses (fear) and impact individuals with anxiety disorders which
further reflected the need to assist in the process of intervening with social anxiety through
identifying with appropriate treatment options, objectives, strategies, and interventions.
Identifying with social aspects can assist in accordingly implementing appropriate and efficient
treatment options for anxiety disorders. Furthermore, mindfulness of cultural factors should also
be exhibited when treating individuals with anxiety disorders (as shared above, a religious and
spiritual option can be of assistance and impacting). Another study conducted by Abdel-Khalek
and Lester (2010) titled “Constructions of religiosity, subjective well-being, anxiety, and
depression in two cultures: Kuwait and USA” respectfully considered cultural components (and
religious) which reflected that individuals whom identified with being religious (regardless of
their religion, i.e. Christianity or Islam), accomplished, achieved, and reflected a state of health
and well-being that was better. Thus, identifying with cultural (and further religious) aspects can
not only also efficiently, appropriately, and accordingly assist in treating anxiety disorders, doing
so can, as well, further assist in implementing ethical treatment options and methods.
In further considering anxiety disorders, additional research and ideas should be given
fresh analyses. Further research and analysis should be given to the integration of theological and
secular treatment options for anxiety disorders. Additional examination should be considered
regarding anxiety disorders and social and cultural aspects. Future exploration should be
contributed to further, different treatment options, objectives, strategies, and interventions
surrounding anxiety disorders. Finally, defense mechanisms associated with anxiety disorders
should also be further researched to ultimately assist in the potential advancements of
EXPLORING ANXIETY DISORDERS 18
satisfactorily identifying with, evaluating, assessing, and diagnosing, and successfully treating
these disorders. In doing so, potentially different yet new approaches as well as both mindfulness
and appropriateness can be implemented and exhibited by clinicians and for the patients’ they
may serve with an anxiety disorder(s).
In conclusion, anxiety disorders and its category within the DSM-5 consist of eleven
different disorders. These disorders each consider and further consist of differentiating
symptoms, features, and diagnostic criteria. An array in differences and options among these
disorders also present when further considering potential causes (genetic and biological),
processes of evaluating and treating these disorders, theological, cultural, and social
perspectives, and the need for further research regarding each disorder. All of which were
considered, supported, and reflected on, and which all should continue to be concerningly
examined, firmly backed, and sincerely emulated, especially that of future research for anxiety
disorders.
EXPLORING ANXIETY DISORDERS 19
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