CRITICAL APPROACH
The critical approach focuses on the importance of political and economic forces on illness. They study the influence of government and capitalism in correlation to different illnesses. Political economy of health is a major focus in this field.
The critical approach focuses on the importance of political and economic forces on illness. They study the influence of government and capitalism in correlation to different illnesses. Political economy of health is a major focus in this field.
Above is a lecture by Dr. Ian Dowbiggin explaining the history of anxiety disorders. He states “there has been a striking rise in anxiety diagnosis since the late 19th century.” This rise in anxiety diagnosis has become prevalent since World War II. Anxiety has always been prevalent in our culture. Reports have been made of acute shyness and stage fright dating back to classical antiquity. Before the modern age it was thought that most anxiety was considered normal and even an asset for situations, which called for vigilance. Social factors which influence the way we understand this illness include what type of lifestyle we live. A student in college, a CEO of a company, or a homeless man on the street all have different definitions of anxiety. A hard working individual may just see anxiety as a constant form of motivation. There are others who may view anxiety as such a overwhelming aspect of their school or social life that they can not function properly without addressing issue. Economic factors such as an individuals annual salary may influence their anxiety. Living from pay check to pay check may be stressful as opposed to someone who is economically stable. Political factors also play a part in anxiety. A president or political figure who does not have the same beliefs or views as an individual may cause them to stress. When your community is being ran by a person who shares different beliefs there may be a change in lifestyle that a person does not adapt well to. Political figures handle where all of our money goes what we can and can not do. Anytime there are strict rules and regulations to follow by political leaders we must agree and follow them, which can be overwhelming at times.
Medicalization & Biomedicalization
I believe this condition has become medicalized because the once social norm of being constantly anxious has now become recognized as an actual disorder that needs to be treated. There are now doctors and psychiatrists that are trained to specifically work with people that have this disorder. This condition has become biomedicalized by prescribing administering new pharmaceutical drugs and treatments. Now that anxiety is recognized as a disorder doctors can decide to treat patients with drugs and hormones to even out these impulsive feelings of stress.
Anxiety in American culture
This illness is presented in popular American culture as a common disorder. The World Mental Health Survey in 2002 reported that anxiety was the most prevalent mental health problem around the globe. Recognizing how common this disorder has become we can assume that because of our values in Western culture. We place great value on less important things such as attractiveness, social status, and success. As a culture we are very materialistic. Americans always want to best the best and have the best of everything. All of these superficial values come with pressure and stress. There will always be someone younger, more attractive, or successful yet we still strive to be the best. As a country, we should be worrying more about health in American culture than stressing over social status and things that are not crucial to survival. People will always be under pressure to be successful all around and live the American dream even at the cost of overwhelming anxiety. The diagram below is a survey done by The Atlantic. which gives an idea of what Americans value most.
Sources:
Downbiggin, Ian. "Reasons to Panic? The History Behind Panic Disorders and its implicaitons for the 21st Centruy". Accessed August 13,2013. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2RuYRvUOFM
Friedersdorf, Conor. "Confirmed: Americans Have Lost Confidence in American Values". Accessed August 13, 2013. http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2012/06/confirmed-americans-have-lost-confidence-in-american-values/258962/
Downbiggin, Ian. "Reasons to Panic? The History Behind Panic Disorders and its implicaitons for the 21st Centruy". Accessed August 13,2013. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2RuYRvUOFM
Friedersdorf, Conor. "Confirmed: Americans Have Lost Confidence in American Values". Accessed August 13, 2013. http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2012/06/confirmed-americans-have-lost-confidence-in-american-values/258962/