Anxiety Disorders: Psychological And Theological Perspectives: Concepts, Aetiology, Symptoms, Treatment & Prognosis
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Anxiety disorders represent one of the most prevalent mental health conditions globally, affecting approximately 301 million people, a number that grew by 55% between 1990 and 2019. Despite this burden, clinical and pastoral responses often operate in silos, with psychological and theological frameworks rarely integrated in a systematic way. This paper examines anxiety disorders through both lenses, exploring their conceptual foundations, etiology, symptomatology, treatment approaches, and prognosis. The theological standpoint defines anxiety as being grounded in a spiritual disquiet and diversely attributed to a deficit of shalom (peace), existential guilt, fractured faith, or unresolved sin. Religious practices such as prayer, scripture, meditation, and community support serve as meaningful coping resources. Anxiety disorders from a psychological standpoint are empirically classified within the DSM-5 across eleven diagnostic categories, with etiology traced to the relationship of genetic vulnerability, neurobiological dysregulation, particularly in serotonergic and noradrenergic systems, environmental stressors such as childhood trauma, and maladaptive cognitive patterns. Evidence-based treatments, primarily Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and pharmacotherapy such as SSRIs and benzodiazepines, remain the gold standard, though remission rates for CBT across all anxiety categories reach only approximately 51%, underscoring the need for complementary approaches. This review highlights that theology and psychology, though historically entangled and institutionally separated, offer mutually reinforcing rather than competing frameworks. An integrated biopsychosocial-spiritual model holds meaningful promise for more holistic, culturally sensitive, and effective care for individuals living with anxiety disorders.
Author: Rupondo, Precious
Institution: Africa International University
Language: English
Subfield: Health
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7115167804
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