Clinical Approaches to Anxiety Disorders

Course overview

This comprehensive learning activity provides nurses with evidence-based knowledge and practical skills for managing anxiety disorders across healthcare settings. The content covers the pathophysiology of anxiety, clinical presentations of major anxiety disorders (GAD, panic disorder, social anxiety, and specific phobias), and validated assessment tools including the GAD-7 and PHQ-9. Nurses will learn to implement therapeutic interventions such as psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, and breathing exercises while applying culturally competent, trauma-informed care principles. The content emphasizes practical applications across diverse clinical environments from emergency departments to outpatient settings, positioning nurses to recognize, assess, and effectively support patients experiencing anxiety while maintaining professional boundaries and self-care practices.