Dr Anthony Kidman
Director, Health Psychology Unit, Health Psychology Unit
BSc (Syd), MSc (UNSW), PhD (Hawaii)
Email: Tony.Kidman@uts.edu.au
Phone: +61 2 9514 4077
Fax: 9906 3825
Room: SH11A.01.10 (map)
Mailing address: PO Box 123,
Broadway NSW 2007,
Australia
Biography
Antony Kidman AM PhD is a clinical psychologist and Director of the Health Psychology Unit. He has been carrying out scientific research and lecturing for more than 30 years and conducting a clinical practice for 25 years. As a biologist and clinical psychologist his initial research was in the field of the brain and nervous system. In 1985 he commenced research into some of the biological and psychological aspects of cancer. A close link was established with the Oncology Department of the Royal North Shore Hospital which subsequently resulted in further collaborative projects in the area of psycho-oncology with breast cancer patients.
In 1997 the Unit moved onto the hospital grounds and in 2009 into nearby premises on the Pacific Highway refurbished by the University. Since 2000 the Unit has conducted group psychotherapeutic programs for adolescents suffering from stress and anxiety, outreach programs for schools and on ongoing Managing HSC Stress program. Private patient numbers increased with the introduction of the Medicare rebate for mental health services.
A trial project with young people recently diagnosed with psychosis and schizophrenia commenced in 2008 with funding from the NSW Health Department. Patients are treated using some of the latest developments in cognitive behaviour therapy in conjunction with medication. A manual based on research and trial results is in preparation for use by mental health workers.
The Unit collaborates with the Cummins Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, North Shore Private Hospital, Chatswood and Cremorne Community Health Centres and health care professionals including nurses.
Dr Kidman runs community service seminars on aspects of mental health, is a regular speaker on radio and television and writes for academic journals and the general public. He was awarded an Order of Australia in 2005 for his contributions to clinical psychology.
Professional
Member, Clinical College of the Australian Psychological Society
Associate Fellow, the Albert Ellis Institute of Rational Emotive Therapy (NY)
Fellow, International Academy of Cognitive Therapy
Member, American Psychological Association
Research
Research interests
His current research examines important mental health issues affecting young Australians and includes key topics such as psychosis, stress and bullying. In addition, he and his fellow researchers continue to provide services for young people and deliver a range of treatment programs and clinical services.
CBT for Early Psychosis
The CBT for Early Psychosis program provides Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to young people who have experienced their first episode of psychosis in the last three years. The research component of this program evaluates the effectiveness of this intervention; aimed at preventing psychosis from developing into schizophrenia.
The treatment uses some of the latest developments in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in conjunction with medication.
Cyber-Bullying
Bullying victims by their peers, either traditionally or electronically experience significant psychosocial difficulties including emotional distress and school conduct problems. Based on the research findings that many of cyber-bullying victims do not take action to seek help, the Dr Kidman and fellow researchers continue a follow up study for a further examination of effective intervention strategies of help-seeking actions for this under-researched but vitally important issue affecting young people today.
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Conduct Disorder
Dr Antony Kidman and Dr Rachael Murrihy, in collaboration with Professor Thomas Ollendick, a world leader in the field, will publish an international text on the assessment and treatment of conduct problems in children and adolescents in 2010.
Publications: over 153 publications in international, peer reviewed journals.
Publications
Journal articles
Edelman, S., Lemon, J. & Kidman, A.D.2005, 'Group cognitive behaviour therapy for breast cancer patients: a qualitative evaluation', Psychology, Health & Medicine, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 139-144.
View/Download from: UTSiResearch | Publisher's site
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Twenty-five patients who had attended a group cognitive behaviour therapy program for breast cancer patients wereinterviewed by telephone about their experience. Responses were categorised independently and indicated that particants enjoyed the interpersonal and social environment of the group, but also acknowledged the benefits provided by the cognitive behaviour therapy modality of the group. While the majority of groups that are currently run for cancer patients are supportive, it is possible that adding a psycho-educational component may meet the needs of greater number of patients.
Lemon, J., Edelman, S. & Kidman, A.D.2004, 'Perceptions of the mind-cancer relationship among the public, cancer patients and oncologists', Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, vol. 21, no. 4, pp. 43-58.
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The view that psychological factors pla a role in the onset and progression of cancern has been promoted widely int he popular media. The present study assessed the prevalence of this view. The respondents - 527 members of the public, 239 cancern patients, and 117 medical practitioners working in oncology - completed a survey questionnaire consisting of three questions in a yes/no format on whether they believed psychological factors can affect the cause, progresion and cure of cancer. Each question was followed by a Lickert-scale question asking respondents to estimate the trength of such an effect. The majority of respondents in the public sample endorsed the proposition thast psychological factors affect cause (60%), progression (71%) and cure (72%). A larger proportion of patients endorsed the proposition for progression (85%) and cure (86%). Oncologists were less likely to endorse it for cause (12%) and cure (26%). These relationships also held for estimates of the strength of the effect. In the public sample, females and respondents with a university education provided higher estimates of the effects of phsycological factors on cancer. These difference were not evident in the patient sample. Given that the scientific evidence to support the "mind-cancer" view is equivocal, the question of whether these peceptions should be challeged needs to be addressed.
Edelman, S., Lemon, J. & Kidman, A.D.2003, 'Psychological therapies for recipients of implantable cardioverter defibrillators', Heart & Lung: The Journal of Acute and Critical Care, vol. 32, no. 4, pp. 234-240.
View/Download from: UTSiResearch | Publisher's site
Edelman, S., Lemon, J. & Kidman, A.D.2003, 'The perceived benefits of a group CBT intervention for patients with coronary heart disease', Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy, vol. 17, no. 2, pp. 59-66.
View/Download from: UTSiResearch | Publisher's site
Kidman, A.D.2001, 'Psycho-oncology and the terminally ill patient', Clinical Psychologist, vol. Winter 200, pp. 10-15.
View/Download from: UTSiResearch
Edelman, S. & Kidman, A.D.2000, 'Application of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to Pateints who Have Advanced Cancer', Behaviour Change, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 103-110.
Edelman, S., Craig, A.R. & Kidman, A.D.2000, 'Can Psychotherapy Increase the Survival Time of Cancer Patients?', Journal of Psychosomatic Research, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 149-156.
Edelman, S., Craig, A.R. & Kidman, A.D.2000, 'Group Interventions with Cancer Patients: Eficacy of Psychoeducational Versus Supportive Groups', Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, vol. 18, no. 3, pp. 67-85.
Kidman, A.D.2000, 'Health, Illness and Quality of Life: Playing a Poor Hand Well', Clinical Psychologist, vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 17-21.
Pascoe, S., Edelman, S., Kidman, A.D.2000, 'Prevalence of Psychological Distress and Use of Support Services by Cancer Patients at Sydney Hospitals', Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 34, no. 0, pp. 785-791.
