Which term describes disorders that cause individuals to express feelings inwardly and thus increase the likelihood of anxiety and/or depression?

Which term describes disorders that cause individuals to express feelings inwardly and thus increase the likelihood of anxiety and/or depression?

• A. Externalizing Disorder
• B. Somatic Disorder
• C. Internalizing Disorder
• D. Mood Disorder

Answer: (C)

Internalizing disorders are characterized by distress directed inward rather than outward. When people express their feelings inside, the emotional struggles often manifest as anxiety or depressive symptoms, increasing the likelihood of those conditions. This inward focus contrasts with externalizing disorders, where distress is shown through outward behaviors like aggression or rule-breaking. Mood disorders are a subset of internalizing disorders, but the overall tendency described—distress expressed inward and linked to anxiety/depression—fits the term internalizing disorders best.

Internalizing disorders are characterized by distress directed inward rather than outward. When people express their feelings inside, the emotional struggles often manifest as anxiety or depressive symptoms, increasing the likelihood of those conditions. This inward focus contrasts with externalizing disorders, where distress is shown through outward behaviors like aggression or rule-breaking. Mood disorders are a subset of internalizing disorders, but the overall tendency described—distress expressed inward and linked to anxiety/depression—fits the term internalizing disorders best.