RANZCP Foundation 2023 Masterclass: Anxiety Disorders

Professor Brakoulias is recognised internationally for his research into obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. He led a “world first” early intervention service for people suffering from obsessive-compulsive and related disorders and is affiliated with the Westmead Anxiety Research and Treatment Unit and the Nepean Anxiety Disorders Clinic. Professor Brakoulias is a senior psychiatrist and is also the Editor of Australasian Psychiatry.

Professor Caroline Hunt has worked in the field of anxiety disorders for over 20 years. She is the academic lead of the Clinical Psychology Unit and oversees the Master of Clinical Psychology program at the University of Sydney. Caroline is an author of a leading international reference book on the treatment of adult anxiety disorders, which is now in its second edition and has been translated into several languages. An early line of research which continues today concerns the epidemiology, comorbidity, and help-seeking patterns of adult anxiety disorders. She has also developed and implemented several school-based intervention programs targeting anxiety and depression in youth and more recently bullying and victimisation.

Professor Vladan Starcevic works with the Specialty of Psychiatry and Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney. Vladan has a long-standing research and professional interest in the psychopathology and treatment of anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and related conditions, including hypochondriasis. Since 2010, Vladan’s research and scholarly work has also included psychopathology related to the use of digital technologies, e.g., cyberchondria and problematic Internet and video game use.

Professor David Castle is a former MRC Research Scholar at the South African Institute for Medical Research, MRC Research Fellow at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and trained both in clinical research and psychiatry at London’s prestigious Maudsley Hospital and Institute of Psychiatry. David’s clinical and research interests include schizophrenia and related disorders, and bipolar disorder. He has a longstanding interest in the impact of licit and illicit substances on the brain and body, and is actively engaged in programmes addressing the physical health of the mentally ill and the mental health of the physically ill. He has received a number of commendations for his work, including the RANZCP’s Senior Research Award and a University of Melbourne Vice Chancellor’s Staff Engagement Award.