Becoming Less Nervous and Depressed: Strategies for Managing Anxiety and Depression

Jody Glance, M.D. and Dennis Daley, Ph.D.

Problems with anxiety and depression are common in our culture. For some individuals, anxiety and depression are part of an Axis I psychiatric disorder that can benefit from treatment. In addition, anxiety and depression are common among individuals with substance use disorders. Inability to manage anxiety or depression can create distress for the client and adversely impacts on the family and relationships and ability to function in school, at home, or in the community. This can also impact on the quality of life. This workshop will review issues related to understanding and managing anxiety and depression. Focus will also be on the importance of helping clients learn to focus on positive emotions. Information from the mental health and addiction clinical and research literature and literature on positive psychology will be integrated in this workshop.

Goals and Objectives

By the conclusion of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. describe symptoms of anxiety and depression and recognize when formal treatment may be indicated;
2. identify common disorders that may co-occur with anxiety and depression;
3. review evidence-based approaches for the treatment of anxiety and depression.

Presentation Outline

1. Definitions and Criteria
   1. Mood disorders
   2. Anxiety disorders
   3. Substance use disorders
2. Relationships between mood, anxiety and substance use disorders
3. Psychosocial and behavioral strategies for recovery
   1. Psychotherapies
   2. Mutual self-help groups
   3. Family involvement
   4. Alternative treatments
4. Medications used to treat psychiatric disorders
   1. Anti-anxiety medications
   2. Anti-depressant medications
   3. Mood stabilizers
   4. Medication-assisted treatment of substance use disorders
5. Impact on the family
   1. Recognizing effects on family members
   2. Identifying strategies to help family members