Stewart
A. Shankman and colleagues wrote an article titled A Psychophysiological Investigation of Threat and Reward Sensitivity in
Individuals with Panic Disorder and/or Major Depressive Disorder in which
sensitivity to threat and reward are studied.
Evidence has shown that, “Heightened sensitivity to threat and reduced
sensitivity to reward are potential mechanisms of dysfunction in anxiety and
depressive disorders” (Shankman). The
point of the experiment that the article covers is to see if these characteristics
are unique to these diseases or common.
Subjects were divided into four groups, those with Panic Disorder, those
with Major Depressive Disorder, those with both, and a control group with
neither. To see this study in its
entirety, click here: https://uic.pure.elsevier.com/en/publications/a-psychophysiological-investigation-of-threat-and-reward-sensitiv.
In
an article done by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America these
topics were also discussed. According to
the association, “it is not uncommon for someone with an anxiety disorder to
also suffer from depression or vice versa” (Chapman). These disorders on their own make it difficult
to live normal day to day lives so when they are together it can be incredibly
harmful to the individuals suffering and also to their loved ones who have to
see them go through such difficult times.
Major Depressive Disorder can be disabling and
interferes with everyday activities.
People with major depression often feel as though there is no point to
life, as Shankman et al said, their sensitivity to rewards is reduced. People become so consumed by depression that
the rewards of life do not do as much for them.
“Depression is a condition in which a person feels discouraged, sad,
hopeless, unmotivated, or disinterested in life in general” (Chapman).
As
for anxiety, the article also touches on the idea that people suffering from
anxiety have a heightened sensitivity to threat. The association states that people with
anxiety are “often expecting the worst even when there is no apparent reason
for concern.” With this increased
sensitivity to threat comes this worry that horrible things are going to
happen, that there’s threats all around you, and it becomes all consuming.
Luckily
with anxiety and depression there are treatments and very rarely do the diseases
last a lifetime. However while suffering,
it is incredibly damaging, this heightened sensitivity to threat means that you
are more susceptible to feelings of worry, tension, and stress. With the reduced sensitivity to reward you
are less likely to find joy in life. There
are various types of treatments for depression and anxiety, one method is
through medication. "Symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders often occur together, and research shows that both respond to treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) medications" (Chapman).SSRIs and SNRIs can be used to treat both depression and anxiety. Psychotherapy is also an option as in joining a support group, regular exercise, and meditation.
Articles
Chapman, Kevin, Jennifer Shannon, Beth Salcedo, and Phillip Seibell. "Understanding the Facts." Anxiety and Depression Association of America, n.d. Web.
Shankman, S.A., Nelson, B. D., Sarapas, C., Robison-Andrew, J. E., Campbell, M. L., Altman, S.
E., ... Gorka, S. M. (2013). A psychophysiological
investigation of threat and reward sensitivity in individuals with panic
disorder and/or major depressive disorder. Journal
of Abnormal Psychology, 122(2),
322-338. 10.1037/a0030747
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