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Anxiety disorders cause significant impairment and disability, and the direct and indirect costs associated with untreated anxiety disorders are high. Effective pharmacological and non-pharmacological evidence-based treatments are available for these disorders. In this course, participants will learn about these treatments, including behaviour therapy, cognitive therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and pharmacotherapy.
Course outcome
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to decide which treatment approach to use when helping people with anxiety disorders, plan the treatment accordingly and control the treatment process. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of these treatment approaches as well as their evidence base. When participants return to their workplace, they will be able to apply the knowledge gained from this course when helping people with anxiety disorders. For those who want to become specialised in treating anxiety disorders, this course will serve as a strong foundation for their further skill development under clinical supervision.
Course Content
Behavioural Therapy
- Principles of exposure-based treatment
- Imaginal exposure
- In vivo exposure
- Evidence base for behavioural therapy
Cognitive Therapy
- Identifying cognitive distortions
- Challenging cognitive distortions
- Managing rumination and worry
- Evidence base for cognitive therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Behavioural experiments
- Clinical examples of psychological treatments
- Evidence Base for CBT
- Web-based treatments for anxiety: availability and evidence base
Pharmacotherapy
- How to use medications in anxiety disorders
- Medications that work and how to choose between them
- Benzodiazepines and anxiety disorders
- Combining medications and cognitive-behavioural treatments
Course delivery and materials
This course will be delivered in a classroom setting using peer-reviewed and evidence-based course materials. The tutors of this course are of editors of the course materials. The development of course materials received financial support from NHMRC funded Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Anxiety and Neuroscience.
Professionally designed PowerPoint slides and case study video clips will be used in the training. Active input from the participants is expected. Course outline, PowerPoint slides and examination paper (for self-evaluation) will be provided to participants in printed format.
Suitable for
This course is suitable for health professionals such as mental health clinicians, nurses, social workers, psychologists, counsellors, marriage and family therapist, psychiatrists, schoolteachers, occupational therapists, and consultants.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific degrees or course requirements for the Anxiety Disorders course.
Important information
Not in Sydney or can’t attend the classes? This course is also offered in online self-paced mode as part of the Anxiety Education for Health Professionals Program. See Anxiety Disorders Course Online for details.
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Corporate Training
We can provide corporate training to organisations for many of our courses, including customisation to suit your needs. This can be a cost-effective training option for more than 10 participants. Contact us for details.
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Contemporary Treatment Approaches for Anxiety Disorders Course from the University of Sydney - training courses, short courses, lessons, workshops and classes open to everyone. Enrol in Contemporary Treatment Approaches for Anxiety Disorders Course and learn with the University of Sydney's premiere provider of short courses and training courses in Sydney - a professional and flexible learning and training development alternative to Sydney TAFE courses and Sydney community colleges - Jason Riley, Operations Manager, Centre for Continuing Education.