The Upward Spiral: Connecting Neuroscience to the Clinical Treatment of Anxiety, Depression and Related Disorders, Alex Korb, PhD

While depression and anxiety are clearly rooted in altered brain function, most therapists and mental health professionals are not taught about what the underlying neurobiology. Yet understanding the relevant brain regions and chemicals that contribute to depression and anxiety can offer insight into a patient’s condition and pathways to improvement. For example, physical exercise has been shown to modulate both serotonin and dopamine signaling. Changing sleep habits also changes the activity in key neural circuits, as does gratitude, mindfulness and social interactions.

Furthermore, many patients hold certain incorrect beliefs about the neurobiology of depression that can get in the way of improvement. When patients are taught about what’s happening in their brains they can benefit from reduced stigma and improve optimism.

The neuroscientific approach to understanding depression and anxiety is based on the latest research into the neurobiology underlying these disorders, and how modulating brain function can in turn lead to improved outcomes. Attendees will learn about how simple interventions such as exercise, sleep, gratitude and mindfulness alter brain function and contribute to symptom improvement. The list extends to social interactions, environmental contributions and behavioral interventions, all of have been shown by research to alter the activity or chemistry of key brain regions that contribute to mood and anxiety disorders. Attendees will also learn about how to communicate the neuroscience of these disorders to their patients.

Course Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Describe how the latest findings from neuroscience inform treatment approach
2. Connect evidence-based therapies for mood disorders like ACT, MBCT and BAT to complex biology and scientific research
3. Utilize simple interventions to modulate the activity and chemistry of key brain regions
4. Explain to clients about the neuroscience of depression and anxiety

Continuing Education Information

Kaiser Permanente Northern California Mental Health Training Programs is approved by the California Psychological Association, Office of Professional Development, to sponsor continuing professional education for psychologists in California. The California Psychological Association is authorized by the Board of Behavioral Sciences to approve continuing education providers. The Kaiser Permanente Northern California Mental Health Training Programs maintains responsibility for this program and its contents.

Kaiser Permanente Northern California Mental Health Training Programs designate this live activity for 3 hours continuing education credits for the above-identified licensed professionals