In order to adequately address this topic you will need to review some recent literature on generalised anxiety disorder, evaluate the effectiveness of different
methods that have been used to treat this condition, and draw some conclusions about the best or most promising methods.
A number of treatment approaches are available for generalised anxiety disorder, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, medication and other therapies. In this essay you must critically evaluate three different methods for treating people with generalised anxiety disorder.
Note: All the literature that you need to consult and critique for your essay has been provided as readings which you can access under the Useful links tab at the top of your study desk (see Course readings – Direct). You are to use those readings and any information about generalised anxiety disorder that is in your textbook (Burton, Westen, & Kowalski, 2015).
Introduction
You must begin with one introductory paragraph of approximately 100–150 words. You should define your main terms, mention the prevalence of generalised anxiety disorder , outline the symptoms and consequences of generalised anxiety disorder , give a rationale for the essay topic, state the treatments you will be evaluating, and give the reader an indication of what you will be arguing.
Essay body
In the main body of the essay, you present the information that has a bearing on your argument. There are many ways of going about this section. However, the most important thing is that you have a well-developed and balanced argument that addresses the exact topic.
Your argument should be so clear, that by the time the reader gets to the end of the body, he or she should already know what you will be concluding. In discussing the different articles, you will need to strike a balance between describing everything in graphic detail and giving so little detail that the reader is not clear what was involved in the studies.
As noted earlier, you do not necessarily have to mention every reading in detail. You may find that you will only want to make brief mention of some studies, while describing others in more detail. However, be sure to cite at least five articles and cover three treatments.
The next two sections show you how to use the information summarised in your grid matrix to critically evaluate the different treatments for major depressive disorder.
How to critically evaluate
In the body of your essay you should develop the ideas outlined in the introduction. You must develop your point of view in a logical manner. Be sure to present a balanced argument that follows from the ideas, theories, and findings that you presented in the introductory paragraph.
For instance, some treatments may have advantages and disadvantages. If so, be sure to mention both. You need to describe the different treatments and to comment on the key points that support your position. You need to also comment on any possible weaknesses or shortcomings of the studies. Compare and contrast the results of a poorly designed study against those obtained from a study that has placed a number of controls in place to ensure the validity of the results.
In this essay, it is important that you critically evaluate the different treatments and studies rather than just describe them. Provide comment on what the different findings suggest or show. Some description will be necessary so that the reader understands the treatment you are talking about, but you must go beyond this. You should consider questions such as the following:
● What were the main benefits of the treatment?
● Was the treatment effective in the short-term? In the long term?
● How does it compare with other treatments in terms of effectiveness?
● Are there any negative features (e.g. side-effects) of the treatment?
● Are there any alternative explanations of the findings?
● Is there a methodological flaw in the research design that could limit the generalisability of the results?
● Is more research needed before definite conclusions can be drawn regarding the effectiveness of different treatments?
● Were the treatment outcomes consistent with the overall aim of treatment?
Please note that not all articles will specifically address each of these questions. They are merely intended to give you some guidance as to the sorts of things you should consider. Do not feel that you have to include everything. Try to provide at least two or more advantages and disadvantages for each treatment and study critiqued.
Critical thinking
It is vital in scientific writing such as this essay to differentiate between your personal opinion on a topic, what you believe the scientific evidence to be on a topic, and what the actual scientific evidence actually is on a topic. In this essay, it is important that you cite research evidence that supports the argument you are making.
You may already hold an opinion about what are acceptable treatments for generalised anxiety disorder. If so, I want you to put your opinions on hold while you read the articles in this course. Do not just look for information that supports your viewpoint. You should also consider research evidence that contradicts it and assess whether there is more evidence for another viewpoint than for your own. A useful exercise is to hold a mock debate about your viewpoint.
For example, if you are opposed to pharmacological intervention, imagine yourself taking the opposite position in a debate. Or get a friend or family member to actually take the opposite side in a debate. Even if they have not read the material, they may be able to challenge your position and force you to find evidence to support it.
Basically, I do not mind what conclusion you come to in the essay, provided that it is backed up by research evidence. Make sure that you fairly evaluate contrary research evidence when developing your argument. Remember: you do not need to like the conclusion you make!
Conclusion
After evaluating the different treatments, it is important that you come to a definite conclusion. Based on the articles you have critiqued, which seem to be the most effective or promising methods for treating generalised anxiety disorder? You might find that one or two methods are consistently effective or you might recommend a treatment ‘package’. More research may also be needed to determine the usefulness of some treatments. It does not matter which treatment you recommend in your conclusion, as long as your conclusion flows on logically from the body of your essay and is supported by research evidence.
Your concluding paragraph should be approximately 100–150 words.
Marking criteria – Important, read this
I will use a copy of the marking criteria to assign marks to your essay so use it as a scaffold or checklist when you are reading articles and writing your essay.
Title of essay
You do not have to think of your own title. Simply call the essay “A Critical Evaluation of Three Different Methods for Treating generalised anxiety disorder”.
Abstract
Please note that an abstract is not required for this essay.
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