Theories of Abnormal Behavior

Anxiety disorder is a condition where a patient may experience an unpleasant inner turmoil characterized by nervous apprehension. Sigmund Schlomo Freud is regarded as the founder of the psychoanalytic perspective. Although psychoanalytic analysis is considered as the best approach in addressing abnormal psychology, there are other sociocultural factors that can be used to address the matter. This paper seeks to examine anxiety disorders as a component of abnormal psychology as well as highlighting how psychoanalytic theory is used to provide analytical and treatment mechanisms. Psychoanalytic Theory and Human Behavior Sigmund Schomo Freud is considered as the father of the psychoanalytic theory. The superego recollects the morals of the society. Freud argued that it is the superego which controls all the properties of the mind and guides an individual in carrying out reasonable activities.

Unlike the ego, the superego is capable of discriminating between the right and the wrong. The superego is regarded as the “consciousness” element of an individual thus it defines personal identity. Therefore the superego can override any decision that has been made by the ego. The ego which is the core element of unconsciousness is capable of causing anxiety. Freud termed this type of anxiety as “signal anxiety”. From this perspective it is clear that psychoanalytic theory illustrates the basis behind the anxiety disorders. Social Cultural Viewpoint Some sociocultural factors can cause anxiety due to personal experiences. The sociocultural experiences have roles to play in the development of anxiety disorders. Conclusion Psychologists have developed various biological and psychological theories to analyze the underlying concepts, effects, and treatment interventions of the anxiety disorders.