Case Study

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CASE STUDY

3. Discuss how Allison’s specific anxiety disorder can be explained through each model of

abnormality, the biological, cognitive, behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, and sociocultural model.

The biological factor contributing to Allison’s specific anxiety disorder is agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is commonly genetically inherited. Allison’s mother had agoraphobia, as she later realizes. She was too cautious and talked about how dangerous the world was. She believed that if one were not careful enough, something terrible would happen to them.

Cognitive errors have also caused Allison’s specific disorder. Cognitive errors refer to the

interpretation of certain events and situations in your life the wrong way such that you react in the wrong way. After the terrorist attacks of September 2001, Allison has been missing work due to the fear that she fears she might target a terrorist attack. She is also worried about the plane she is on crashing.

The behavioral model of abnormality shows that Allison has a specific anxiety disorder. Even

though Allison lives alone, she is so terrified of being burglarized. She has resorted to keeping men tennis shoes and a large dog bowl outside her door, hoping that this will somehow protect her from burglars when they think she is not alone. She is also constantly worried about things that you would view as trivial.

The psychodynamic theory states that events in our childhood have a significant impact on our lives later on. When Allison was eight years old, Mr. Jack sexually abused her. Mr. Jack had invited her over for cookies and milk. Her mother was busy doing the laundry and was not able to watch over her. She chooses not to tell anyone what had happened and blamed herself ever since. She knew it was her fault because she trusted someone who she did not know. When Allison becomes an adult, she still has trust issues, which significantly affect her romantic relationships.

The humanistic approach is also a cause of Allison’s specific anxiety to some extent. She found it impossible to please her family. Her sister made her feel inadequate since she was more successful. Allison also felt as though her sister looked down upon her because of her anxiety. Her father was also an impossible one to please. She did her best, but it just felt like it was never enough to get anyone’s attention.

The sociocultural model also caused Allison’s specific anxiety disorder. Growing up, she could not go outside and play with other children unless under strict supervision. She, therefore, grew up with no friends and believing that she was different from everyone.

CASE STUDY

4. If Allison were to receive treatment for her anxiety would be from:

A humanistic psychotherapist, what approach to treatment would the likely therapist use, how would it be used, and why would it be effective?

Humanistic therapy aims at helping people accept themselves and accept themselves as they are. It assists one to deal away with the fear of disapproved. This method is effective because Allison grew up trying to get attention from her father and siblings and then thinking that she was not enough. The therapist would help her reach her potential and find fulfillment within her.

A cognitive psychotherapist, what approach to treatment likely use, how would it be used, and why would it be effective?

Cognitive therapy is based on changing how someone thinks and reacts to situations. The

treatment method is essential because such patients usually respond to their viewpoint instead of the problem at hand. The cognitive psychotherapist will assist Allison to correct all negative thoughts that she often has.

A psychiatrist (biological perspective ) what treatment would the psychiatrist likely use, how would it be used, and why would it be effective?

A psychiatrist will help Allison find out if her anxiety is related to any underlying medical issue that she may be having. The psychiatrist can also recommend the necessary medication and even offer to counsel her.