Track: Stress, Anxiety and Depression

Stress, Anxiety and Depression

This session will provide an integrated exploration of stress, anxiety, and depression, examining their interrelated nature and impact on mental health. Attendees will learn about the physiological and psychological mechanisms underlying stress, anxiety, and depression, and how these conditions can manifest in individuals' daily lives. The session will cover the diagnostic criteria, common symptoms, and risk factors associated with each condition. Participants will gain insights into evidence-based treatment strategies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and pharmacotherapy. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how stress can exacerbate anxiety and depression, and vice versa, and how effective management and prevention strategies can improve overall mental well-being. Practical approaches for addressing these conditions, including self-care techniques and professional support, will also be discussed to provide attendees with comprehensive tools for promoting mental health.

Agoraphobia
This session will explore agoraphobia, a type of anxiety disorder characterized by intense fear and avoidance of situations or places where escape might be difficult or help unavailable in the event of a panic attack. Attendees will learn about the symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and impact of agoraphobia on daily life. The session will cover treatment options, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with exposure therapy and pharmacotherapy, and strategies for supporting individuals experiencing agoraphobia.

Hopeless Outlook
This session will focus on the concept of a hopeless outlook, often associated with depressive disorders. Participants will explore how a pervasive sense of hopelessness can affect mental health and contribute to the development or exacerbation of depressive symptoms. The session will discuss therapeutic approaches to addressing hopelessness, including cognitive restructuring techniques and interventions aimed at fostering hope and resilience.

Increased Fatigue and Sleep Problems
This session will address the relationship between mental health issues and increased fatigue and sleep problems. Attendees will learn about the impact of conditions such as depression and anxiety on sleep patterns and overall energy levels. The session will cover strategies for managing sleep disturbances and fatigue, including cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), lifestyle modifications, and pharmacological treatments.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
This session will provide an in-depth look at Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life. Participants will explore the symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and impact of GAD on daily functioning. The session will discuss evidence-based treatment approaches, including CBT, medication options, and relaxation techniques, as well as strategies for managing chronic anxiety.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
This session will focus on Persistent Depressive Disorder (formerly known as Dysthymia), a chronic form of depression characterized by long-term, low-grade depressive symptoms. Attendees will learn about the diagnostic criteria, symptoms, and impact of dysthymia on individuals' lives. The session will cover treatment options, including psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, aimed at managing and alleviating persistent depressive symptoms.

Panic Disorder
This session will explore Panic Disorder, a condition marked by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks. Attendees will learn about the symptoms, triggers, and impact of panic attacks on individuals' lives. The session will cover effective treatment strategies, including CBT, exposure therapy, and medication options, and discuss ways to help individuals manage and reduce panic attacks.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
This session will delve into Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, focusing on the nature of obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors). Participants will explore diagnostic criteria, impact on daily life, and evidence-based treatments such as CBT with exposure and response prevention (ERP). The session will also discuss strategies for managing OCD symptoms and improving overall functioning.

Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
This session will focus on trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), exploring the effects of traumatic experiences on mental health. Participants will learn about the symptoms of PTSD, including flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance. The session will cover treatment approaches such as trauma-focused therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and discuss strategies for supporting individuals with PTSD.