Fear Part 2

Homo sapiens created religion and government in order to control the social order. Man has been perceived as being intrinsically good, as well as evil because of his weak will, evil spirits, ignorance and corruption within the society. Insightful philosophers Machiavelli in the 16^th century and Hobbes in the 17^th century came to the conclusion that the population at large could be manipulated through fear. Are they right?

Politically, our leaders have employed fear throughout the ages. Our most recent presidential election had slogans like “make America great,” build the wall, restrict immigration, tear up that Iran nuclear deal, etc.  These slogans all have underpinnings of fear. Repeat the slogans over and over and eventually it works.

Turning to individual pathology, there are a number of disorders that illustrate the negative dynamics of fear and anxiety. A few of the anxiety disorders include: 1. Agoraphobia-avoidance of certain situations and/or being alone in public places. 2. Social Phobia-avoidance of certain social situation like public speaking. 3. Simple Phobia-persistent irrational fear of a compelling desire to avoid an object or situation other than being alone. 4. Panic Disorder-physical disorder 5. Generalized Anxiety Disorder-generalized persistence anxiety 6. Obsessional Compulsive Disorder-excessive brooding, rumination or preoccupation. 7 Posttraumatic Stress Disorder-existence of recognizable stressor that would provoke significant symptoms of distress in almost anyone per Diagnostic Criteria from DSM.

To Be Continued