About ADAA > 25 Years: A History
Letter from the President & CEO

In 1980, we did not have any idea that the next 25 years would bring such enormous progress in the recognition, diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders; or that the ADAA would play such a pivotal role in advancing the field.

Back then, of course, it was a very different world for people who had an anxiety disorder. Most had no idea that they had a real medical condition. The term "anxiety disorder" had not been coined. Most anxiety disorders were simply called phobias. Individuals manifested a wide variety of unexplainable and often debilitating symptoms for which there were no research-based treatments. We knew only one thing for certain at the time: the symptoms people were experiencing were real, frightening and often disabling.

Our organization was formed when a group of dedicated individuals banded together after discovering that the "unorthodox" form of psychosocial therapy they were using, known today as cognitive-behavioral therapy, was helpful in treating people with phobias. Not surprisingly, the original name of the organization was the Phobia Society of America (PSA). Our goal in 1980 was simple and straightforward. We were going to improve the lives of people who were suffering from these unexplainable forms of anxiety, and we were going to involve everyone.

Twenty-five years later, we've made tremendous progress. We've made progress in the medical field's ability to understand, diagnose and treat anxiety disorders, and in the ADAA's ability to serve as a valuable resource for people who have an anxiety disorder and for their families.

Research has repeatedly confirmed that anxiety disorders are not only real, but that they comprise a distinct set of conditions that are both serious and treatable. Research has also identified a variety of psychosocial therapies and medications that are effective in treating people with an anxiety disorder.

Over the years, as the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of these disorders became significantly more sophisticated through education and research, so did our organization. We evolved rapidly to keep pace with the discoveries and growing awareness. Our members, volunteers and staff played significant roles in a number of the scientific and public education advancements that moved the field forward. In 1990, we recognized that our name did not encompass the distinct anxiety disorders that had been identified during the past decade, so we changed our name to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America.

The one thing that hasn't changed in the past 25 years is our dedication to improving the lives of people suffering from irrational, overwhelming, life-altering anxiety. The ADAA continues to lead the fight to improve the research, education, treatment and cure of anxiety disorders, and we will continue to do so for decades to come.

Our relationship with the leading researchers, clinicians and policy makers of our times has expanded and deepened. We continue to fund cutting-edge scientific research into causes, treatments and cures for anxiety disorders by providing a series of annual grants and awards to new generations of researchers. We champion education and awareness efforts to remind Americans that these disorders are real and treatable. We remain committed to ensuring people who have an anxiety disorder that they can find the care and support they need. The main difference is, where we used to help hundreds, we now help millions.

It's a better world today for people who have an anxiety disorder. It's a world where they no longer need to feel alone, hopeless or helpless. It's a world where increased awareness, early diagnosis and treatment enable them to lead normal, healthy and productive lives. And it's a world where we are coming closer to understanding the true nature of the disorders.

Our strength is in our diversity, our dedication and our spirit of open cooperation and communication. Our organization is stable, growing and highly respected, thanks to our many members, volunteers and staff. I invite you to make the journey with us into the future, and to encourage others to support the ADAA as well. Together we will continue to improve the lives of people suffering from an anxiety disorder.

Jerilyn Ross, MA, LICSW
President & CEO
Anxiety Disorders Association of America