Annotated Bibliography

Anxiety and Communication

William Loiacono 10/28/13 Thompson

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety is a normal reaction to stress, and in certain situations, can be beneficial. Although, for some people, their anxiety can become excessive. This is when a simple anxiety becomes an actual disorder. In order for an anxiety to be classified into a disorder, it must fall into a number of categories. There are many different anxiety disorders known about today including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder. The themes I'm pursuing for my project include the causes of anxiety, the symptoms of anxiety, and the treatment of anxiety disorders. I chose this topic because I grew up in a house with a parent that suffered from Panic Disorder, and I see myself as having a Generalized Anxiety Disorder, though I have never pursued treatment or classification. I also grew up with a friend that suffered from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder as a result of his bi-polar tendencies. I've also noticed in the past few months, ever since my cousin came home from the Navy, he has been exhibiting symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. These are all reasons why my project revolves around anxiety. Causes of Anxiety Disorders The following government website addresses the causes of anxiety disorders. It seeks to find the link between internal and external factors that may cause anxiety disorders. Anxiety Disorders. (n.d.). NIMH RSS. Retrieved October 28, 2013, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml This website investigates internal and external factors as being the causes of anxiety disorders. It also goes into detail about how genes play a role in the causes. Scientists currently think that mental illnesses are complex and probably result from a combination of genetic, environmental, psychological, and developmental factors. For example, although they suggest genetics play a role in the development of some anxiety disorders, PTSD are triggered by trauma, like a car accident, or wartime. But the link

would between the two might be that genetics may play a role in why trauma causes PTSD in some people but not others. The article also goes into detail about the brain and how it plays a role in anxiety disorders. The amygdala is a structure in the brain that is believed to be the communication hub between parts of the brain that process incoming sensory signals and interpretation of these signals. These are all ways in which anxiety disorders can be cause, and the article delves deeper into the relationship of the factors presented. Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders The following peer reviewed articles discuss the symptoms associated with anxiety disorders. They seek to find the link between anxiety and depression. Henningsen, P., Zimmermann, T., & Sattel, H. (n.d.). Psychosomatic Medicine.Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms, Anxiety, and Depression: A Meta-Analytic Review. Retrieved October 30, 2013, from http://www.psychosomaticmedicine.org/content/65/4/528.full#ref-list-1 The objective was to review and compare observational studies on the association of medically unexplained physical symptoms, anxiety, and depression. Two hundred forty four studies were included on the basis of consensus ratings if they fulfilled seven of eight inclusion criteria pertaining to diagnostic accuracy and statistical appropriateness. Five hundred twenty two studies were deferred or excluded. The effect sizes for the association of the four functional somatic syndromes with depression and anxiety were of moderate magnitude but were highly significant statistically when compared with healthy people. The conclusion states that meta-analytic integration confirms that the four functional somatic syndromes are related to depression and anxiety. DiMatteo M, Lepper HS, Croghan TW. Depression Is a Risk Factor for Noncompliance With Medical Treatment: Meta-analysis of the Effects of Anxiety and Depression on Patient Adherence. Arch Intern Med. 2000;160(14):2101-2107. doi:10.1001/archinte.160.14.2101.

This article presents a quantitative review and synthesis of studies correlating medical patients' treatment noncompliance and their anxiety and depression. Research on patient adherence was examined and studies were included in this review if they measured patient compliance and depression or anxiety. Twelve articles about depression and thirteen about anxiety met the inclusion criteria. The associations between anxiety and noncompliance were variable, and their averages were small and nonsignificant. The relationship between depression and noncompliance was substantial and significant. Treatment of Anxiety Disorders The following authors present methods of treatment for anxiety disorders. They seek to use the scientific approach for selecting the most effective treatment. Knapp, S., & VandeCreek, L. (1994).Anxiety disorders: a scientific approach for selecting the most effective treatment. Sarasota, Fla.: Professional Resource Press. This book presents current information on diagnosis and treatment selection for anxiety disorders. Each anxiety disorder is described and the latest research on different diagnosis and frequent diagnostic complications and coexisting disorders is considered. Sample cases are provided to illustrate the more common anxiety disorders. Although details on how to implement specific techniques are not provided, training materials are referenced for readers who want more information about treatment strategies. Also included in the book are copies of several questionnaires and inventories that are frequently used in the assessment of anxiety disorders. Coryell, W., & Winokur, G. (1991). The Clinical management of anxiety disorders. New York: Oxford University Press. This book goes into detail about generalized anxiety disorders and compulsive disorders, and their treatment. It was meant for clinicians who need both an overview and a thorough bibliography.

Sections are organized by diagnosis and then by treatment. The authors have heavily referenced their text throughout to assist readers who require more depth. Cognitive and behavioral strategies are given special attention -- they have their own chapters subdivided by diagnoses. The book concludes with a condensation and synthesis of all therapies across all anxiety disorders.