Intolerance of Uncertainty Linked to Anxiety Severity

A recent study found that, of the four contributing factors for generalized anxiety disorder, intolerance of uncertainty and negative problem orientation had a direct relationship to severity of the disorder.

There are four contributing factors for generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD: intolerance of uncertainty, positive beliefs about worry, negative problem orientation, and cognitive avoidance. A study performed at Concordia University and Hospital du Sacre-Coeur de Montreal, Canada, wanted to find out if there was a link between any of these contributing factors and the severity of a subject’s generalized anxiety disorder.

Of the four factors, intolerance of uncertainty and negative problem orientation were noticeably higher in subjects with severe GAD when compared to those with mild or moderate generalized anxiety disorder. Intolerance of uncertainty and negative problem orientation may have a greater effect on the severity of generalized anxiety disorder because they have such a negative effect on problem solving ability and attitude, generally lending themselves to a pessimistic attitude and, therefore, more worry.

What is intolerance of uncertainty? Essentially, it’s a fancy way of saying that someone has an overwhelming need for security and control. Someone with a high intolerance of uncertainty cannot handle not knowing what is going to happen. Clearly, we never really know what is going to happen, and to some degree we all wish we could. A high intolerance of uncertainty can paralyze a person, making it nearly impossible for them to function for fear of not knowing. The higher the intolerance, the more a person will focus on uncertainties and take steps to avoid uncertainty at all costs—intensifying their anxiety.

When someone has a negative problem orientation, they approach all problems with a pessimistic attitude. Rather than saying, “Everything will work out fine if I think about a solution and take steps to put that solution in place,” a person with a negative problem orientation will think, “Of course! This always happens to me! This is awful, and there’s no way out!” Negative problem orientation often leads to negative attitude, impulsive behavior, avoidance, and the inability to problem solve effectively.

What does this mean? Understanding the link between negative problem orientation, intolerance of uncertainty and the severity of generalized anxiety disorder can point medical and mental health professionals in the right direction for treatment. Focusing therapeutic techniques on changing a negative problem orientation and tolerating uncertainty may help to lessen a person’s feelings of anxiety and help them become more functional. It may also make diagnosis easier, helping more people understand their generalized anxiety disorder and how to find help.

© Copyright 2007 Insight Journal Online Magazine.

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