Anxiety is a normal emotion that evolved to ensure our survival. It is experienced when a person perceives that a situation is potentially harmful. However, some people experience so much anxiety that it interferes with their everyday lives. Anxiety disorders are common, and many of them begin during adolescence or young adulthood. How and why anxiety is experienced, how does it become a problem, and what can be done about it? This unit will introduce current scientific knowledge about anxiety and related disorders. We will consider recent empirical research concerning the nature and management of normal experiences of anxiety as well as the causes and treatment of anxiety disorders, for example, specific phobias, social anxiety disorder, or generalised anxiety disorder. Obsessive-compulsive and trauma-related disorders will be briefly introduced as well. You will learn about foundational concepts and methods in psychology, as well as practical skills that help manage anxiety in everyday life. By completing this unit you will increase your general mental health literacy to be able to identify and evaluate information about managing anxiety and maintaining good mental health in general.
Unit details and rules
Academic unit | Psychology Academic Operations |
---|---|
Credit points | 2 |
Prerequisites
?
|
None |
Corequisites
?
|
None |
Prohibitions
?
|
None |
Assumed knowledge
?
|
This is an introductory level unit, no prior knowledge is required. |
Available to study abroad and exchange students | Yes |
Teaching staff
Coordinator | Celine Van Golde, celine.vangolde@sydney.edu.au |
---|---|
Lecturer(s) | Sarah McDonald, s.mcdonald@sydney.edu.au |