Anxiety has been a subject of fascination and study for centuries, evolving alongside humanity’s understanding of the mind, body, and spirit.
In ancient times, anxiety was often attributed to supernatural forces or spiritual imbalances, with remedies focused on rituals and prayers.
Later, figures like Hippocrates linked mental health to physical factors, introducing a more systematic perspective.
Modern psychology redefined anxiety as a psychological phenomenon, with Freud highlighting unconscious conflicts and behavioural theorists identifying learned responses.
This shift marked the beginning of evidence-based treatments that focused on thought patterns and behaviours, such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Today, anxiety is understood as a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
Advancements in neuroscience and psychology have led to the development of effective treatments like CBT and mindfulness practices, offering individuals tools to manage anxiety and improve their well-being.
From spiritual interpretations to scientific approaches, the evolution of anxiety reflects society’s growing understanding of mental health.
In this article, we explore how the perception of anxiety has transformed over time and how this journey informs current treatments.
To delve deeper into understanding anxiety, read our comprehensive guide: Understanding Anxiety: A Guide for Australians.
Early Perspectives: Anxiety as Spiritual and Physical Imbalance
In ancient times, anxiety was often seen through the lens of spiritual or physical disturbances. Cultures worldwide attributed anxiety symptoms to divine punishment, curses, or possession by spirits.
Remedies included rituals, prayers, or ceremonies to appease deities or exorcise malevolent forces.
In ancient Greece, Hippocrates proposed a more systematic explanation. He viewed anxiety and other mental health issues as results of an imbalance in the four bodily humours: blood, yellow bile, black bile, and phlegm.
Treatments focused on restoring balance through diet, exercise, or herbal remedies.
While primitive, these approaches marked early attempts to address psychological distress as a natural phenomenon rather than purely spiritual.
The Dawn of Modern Psychology: Freud and the Inner Conflict
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a significant shift in understanding anxiety.
Sigmund Freud, often referred to as the father of modern psychology, revolutionised the field by exploring anxiety as a psychological condition rooted in unconscious conflict.
Freud theorised that anxiety arose when repressed desires or fears clashed with societal expectations, creating internal tension.
For example, he suggested that a child might suppress fear of abandonment, only for it to resurface later as anxiety.
His work led to the development of psychodynamic therapy, which aimed to uncover and resolve these hidden conflicts.
Although Freud’s theories have been critiqued and refined over time, his work provided a foundation for understanding anxiety as more than a purely physiological or external phenomenon.
It introduced the idea that personal history and internal struggles significantly influence mental health.
The 20th Century: Shifting Towards Behaviour and Cognition
As psychology matured, new schools of thought challenged Freud’s psychoanalytic approach. Behaviourism, spearheaded by researchers like John Watson and B.F. Skinner, rejected Freud’s emphasis on unconscious processes.
Instead, behaviourists viewed anxiety as a learned response to environmental stimuli.
For instance, Watson’s famous experiment with Little Albert demonstrated how fear could be conditioned by associating a neutral object (like a white rat) with a distressing stimulus (a loud noise).
This perspective framed anxiety as something that could be unlearned, paving the way for behavioural therapies that focused on exposure and desensitisation.
Cognitive psychology emerged in the mid-20th century, shifting focus from observable behaviour to internal thought processes.
Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis proposed that anxiety stemmed from distorted thinking patterns, such as catastrophising (expecting the worst) or black-and-white thinking (seeing situations as entirely good or bad).
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which combined cognitive and behavioural techniques, became a cornerstone treatment for anxiety disorders.
Studies have shown CBT to be effective for many individuals in reducing anxiety symptoms and improving daily functioning.
Modern Psychology: A Holistic and Personalised Approach
Today, anxiety is recognised as a multifaceted condition influenced by biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
Neuroscience has illuminated the role of brain structures such as the amygdala, which processes fear, and neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, which regulate mood.
Modern approaches to anxiety incorporate a variety of evidence-based methods, including:
- Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Widely supported by research, CBT helps individuals identify and address thought patterns that perpetuate anxiety.
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Techniques such as meditation and yoga may reduce worry and promote present-moment awareness.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages individuals to accept anxious thoughts without judgment, focusing on actions aligned with personal values.
- Holistic Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and quality sleep are essential in managing anxiety and improving overall well-being.
It is important to note that effectiveness of these approaches may vary from person to person. Professional assessment is recommended to determine the most appropriate treatment for each individual.
Why Understanding the History of Anxiety Matters
Exploring the history of anxiety in psychology not only highlights the progress made in understanding this condition but also underscores the importance of continued research.
Early theories, while limited, laid the groundwork for the sophisticated approaches we use today. From spiritual rituals to evidence-based therapies, each stage in this evolution has contributed to our ability to support those experiencing anxiety effectively.
By recognising the journey of anxiety in psychology, we gain a deeper appreciation for the strides made in mental health care and the importance of breaking down stigma, fostering resilience, and promoting access to support.
If anxiety is affecting your well-being, don’t hesitate to seek support. At Strategic Psychology, our team of registered psychologists offers evidence-based therapies tailored to your needs.
Together, we can help you manage anxiety and build resilience for the future.
Contact us today to take the first step toward a calmer, more balanced life. Your well-being matters, and with the right support, recovery is possible.
References
Hippocrates and Ancient Perspectives:
- Hippocrates (400 BCE). On the Sacred Disease.
Sigmund Freud and Psychoanalytic Theory:
- Freud, S. (1926). Inhibitions, Symptoms and Anxiety. London: Hogarth Press. Gay, P. (1989). Freud: A Life for Our Time. W.W. Norton & Company.
Behaviourism and Conditioning:
- Watson, J.B., & Rayner, R. (1920). Conditioned Emotional Reactions. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 3(1), 1-14.
- Skinner, B.F. (1953). Science and Human Behavior. New York: Macmillan.
Cognitive Theories:
- Beck, A.T. (1976). Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders. New York: International Universities Press.
- Ellis, A. (1962). Reason and Emotion in Psychotherapy. Lyle Stuart.
Effectiveness of CBT:
- Hofmann, S.G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I.J.J., Sawyer, A.T., & Fang, A. (2012). The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Review of Meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427-440.
Neuroscience and Anxiety:
- LeDoux, J.E. (2000). Emotion Circuits in the Brain. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 23(1), 155-184.
Mindfulness and Anxiety:
- Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness. New York: Bantam Dell.
- Hofmann, S.G., et al. (2010). The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Therapy on Anxiety and Depression: A Meta-Analytic Review. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 78(2), 169-183.