Relationship between Catastrophizing, Attribution Style and Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Abstract

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic psychiatric condition characterized by excessive worry accompanied by cognitive, somatic, and behavioral symptoms. Its development involves complex interactions among biological, psychological, and social factors. GAD is also associated with brain emotion-regulation areas changes. The findings, however, are still conflicting and suggested that the disorder cannot be sufficiently explained by brain structure per se and that neuronal connections and dynamic networks should also be examined. According to genetic and familial studies, the occurrence of GAD is increased by the presence of several genes with minor effects and environmental factors, and one of the major causes of recurrence of symptoms is psychological processes, particularly maladaptive thought patterns such as self-blame and catastrophizing. Since internal attributional styles enhance anxiety by maintaining the emotions of helplessness, and because catastrophizing results in a vicious cycle of exaggerated danger perception, reduced self-efficacy and avoidance behavior, these cognitive vulnerabilities are further shaped by developmental factors such as childhood trauma. Stigma may hinder individuals from seeking help, and social stresses and lack of support may also worsen the symptoms. The process of making a diagnosis and providing therapy is complicated by comorbidity with depression. The examples of effective therapy are cognitive-behavioral and metacognitive therapies, exposure and problem solving training to enhance self-efficacy, and neuroscience-based approaches to emotion control and mindfulness training. Considering all these, understanding GAD and developing more comprehensive treatment plans requires a synthesis of biologic, cognitive and social viewpoints.