Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Sensitivity amongst Anxiety and Depression

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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