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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by sar on March 16, 2001, at 23:09:28
What do you think is the root of anxiety disorders, particularly social phobia? Is it nature or nuture or both? I know that there are general theories out there but I'd like to hear some opinions from people who actually have these problems.
thanks,
sar
Posted by Chaston on March 17, 2001, at 12:18:04
In reply to where does it come from?, posted by sar on March 16, 2001, at 23:09:28
sar,
I prefer simple, absolute explanations, but I think the answer is usually "both," unfortunately. Sometimes nature and nurture reinforce each other in a negative way--a vicious cycle of avoidance and anxiety, for example
We can't change our natures. Maybe the right environment, especially when we were young, could have prevented these problems from starting. I think they can wax and wane over time, though, depending on a number of things, including one's current environment. And there are meds that can help one break out the cycles, giving a person a chance to build a better environment.> What do you think is the root of anxiety disorders, particularly social phobia? Is it nature or nuture or both? I know that there are general theories out there but I'd like to hear some opinions from people who actually have these problems.
>
> thanks,
> sar
Posted by tina on March 18, 2001, at 9:06:23
In reply to where does it come from?, posted by sar on March 16, 2001, at 23:09:28
Mine stems from an overly critical mother and a perfectionist complex. I'm insecure as to whether or not people will like me or if I'm being stared at. My mother always said "people are looking at you" whenever I acted up as a kid so i'm always convinced people are judging me. It's a bit paranoid I guess.
On the other hand, i think some of my problem is chemical. My central nervous system spits out adrenaline when it isn't an appropriate time for it and makes me do the "fight or flight" thing.
This is just what drives MY particular anxiety probs. I'm sure there are thousands of different reasons for others.
Hope this is what you wanted
Tina> What do you think is the root of anxiety disorders, particularly social phobia? Is it nature or nuture or both? I know that there are general theories out there but I'd like to hear some opinions from people who actually have these problems.
>
> thanks,
> sar
Posted by Ted on March 19, 2001, at 12:54:51
In reply to where does it come from?, posted by sar on March 16, 2001, at 23:09:28
Sar,
I will add a little to what Tina has said. I believe it is both nature & nuture, and in my wife's and my families, I have noticed an interesting correlation: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Because of an OCD parent constantly pushing an OCD child, the child becomes social phobic and painfully shy because he/she is afraid of either embarrasing themselves or not living up to their parents' expectations. The child in turn becomes perfectionist, and the cycle repeats again in the next generation. Panic attacks come when the child feels the expectations cannot be met and, quite literally, panics from the stress of letting down his/her parents.
How to break the cycle? Recognise it for what it is, and make an effort to change. It will definitely be difficult, but it is important that the cycle is eventually broken.
Ted
> What do you think is the root of anxiety disorders, particularly social phobia? Is it nature or nuture or both?
Posted by Noa on March 19, 2001, at 18:33:03
In reply to Re: where does it come from? » sar, posted by Ted on March 19, 2001, at 12:54:51
I agree--nature and nurture are inseparable, really, because we are a complex system ourselves and part of a larger complex system, and all the componenents interact. Sometimes it is possible to discern which factors are key places to intervene, but I don't think we can peg it on one thing or another. Stresses of many kinds can trigger illnesses that we are genetically primed for, etc.
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