Affective disorder is a type of psychological disorder characterized by the presence of anxiety symptoms that manifest themselves primarily emotionally, affecting interpersonal relationships, self-esteem and the quality of life of the person who suffers from it. Unlike other forms of anxiety, affective anxiety focuses on the emotions and feelings associated with relationships with others, generating intense emotional discomfort.
Characteristics of affective anxiety
Affective anxiety is characterized by a series of particular features and symptoms that distinguish it from other anxiety disorders. Among the main characteristics of affective anxiety are:
1. Feeling of abandonment and rejection
People with emotional anxiety often experience an intense feeling of abandonment and rejection by significant people in their life, such as a partner, friends or family. These irrational beliefs about being rejected or abandoned can generate a constant state of anxiety and worry.
2. Constant need for approval
Those who suffer from emotional anxiety tend to depend excessively on the approval and validation of others to feel valued and accepted. This constant need for approval can generate an exaggerated fear of rejection and make it difficult to build healthy and balanced relationships.
3. Fear of abandonment and loneliness
Fear of abandonment and loneliness is a constant in the lives of people with emotional anxiety. This deep fear of being left alone or rejected can trigger avoidance behaviors and emotional dependence that negatively affect the quality of life and interpersonal relationships.
Causes of emotional anxiety
The Affective anxiety can have multiple causes, which can be related to genetic, biological, psychological and environmental factors. Some of the possible causes of emotional anxiety are:
1. Traumatic experiences in childhood
Traumatic experiences experienced in childhood, such as abandonment, abuse or neglect, can leave emotional consequences that manifest in the form of emotional anxiety in adult life. These unresolved traumas can generate a deep fear of being abandoned or rejected, fueling emotional anxiety.
2. Insecure attachment patterns
Insecure attachment patterns developed during childhood, characterized by a lack of security in relationships with primary caregivers, may predispose to affective anxiety in adult life. People with insecure attachment often have difficulty establishing healthy and balanced relationships, which can fuel emotional anxiety.
3. Low self-esteem and lack of social skills
Low self-esteem and lack of social skills can enhance emotional anxiety, as they hinder the ability to establish satisfactory and balanced relationships with others. Lack of confidence in oneself and one's own emotional resources can fuel anxiety and fear of rejection.
Impact of affective anxiety on daily life
Affective anxiety can have a profound impact on the daily lives of those who suffer from it, affecting various aspects of their emotional and social well-being. Some of the main impacts of emotional anxiety are:
1. Difficulties in interpersonal relationships
People with affective anxiety may experience difficulties establishing and maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships, as their fear of abandonment and constant need for approval can interfere with communication and setting limits. . healthy in relationships.
2. Low self-esteem and negative self-concept
Affective anxiety is associated with low self-esteem and a negative self-concept, since people who suffer from it tend to base their worth on external approval and the acceptance of others. This emotional dependence can generate a vicious cycle of anxiety and emotional discomfort.
3. Social isolation and loneliness
Fear of abandonment and constant worry about the approval of others can lead people with emotional anxiety to isolate themselves socially and experience feelings of loneliness and helplessness. This isolation can intensify anxiety and make it difficult to seek emotional and social support.
Treatment of affective anxiety
Treatment of affective anxiety usually requires a comprehensive approach that combines psychotherapy , medication in some cases and the implementation of coping strategies and improvement of social skills. Some of the interventions used in the treatment of affective anxiety are:
1. Cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy
Cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy is one of the most effective interventions in the treatment of affective anxiety, as it helps identify and modify irrational thoughts and behavioral patterns that sustain anxiety. . and emotional dependence.
2. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and commitment therapy, which focuses on developing mindfulness skills and learning to tolerate uncertainty and anxiety, can be of great help in the treatment of affective anxiety. . . This therapy promotes the acceptance of emotions and the construction of a valuable and meaningful life.
3. Psychotropic medication
In some cases, the treatment of affective anxiety may require the use of psychotropic medication, such as anxiolytics or antidepressants, to control anxiety symptoms and improve emotional well-being. It is important that medication be prescribed and supervised by a mental health professional.
Conclusions
In summary, affective anxiety is a psychological disorder that is characterized by the presence of symptoms anxiety of an emotional nature, affecting interpersonal relationships, self-esteem and the quality of life of those who suffer from it. With a comprehensive approach that includes psychotherapy, medication in some cases and the implementation of coping strategies, it is possible to overcome emotional anxiety and improve the emotional and social quality of life of the affected person.