Donny Osmond Joins ADAA Board as Honorary Member
Demonstrates commitment to educating public about anxiety disorders

Silver Spring, MD, April 29, 2004- Timed to Mental Health Month in May, the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) today named entertainer Donny Osmond an honorary member of the Board of Directors. Osmond, who is one of more than 5 million Americans suffering from an illness called Social Anxiety Disorder, pledged his commitment to educating people about anxiety disorders and how they can get treatment.

"I've talked with so many people who were unwilling to do anything about their anxiety disorder because they were too embarrassed," said Osmond. "I want to let people know that they are not alone and that help is available. ADAA is a terrific organization and a tremendous resource. I am proud to join the ADAA board and to help in their efforts to educate people about anxiety disorders."

Osmond has spoken publicly about having social anxiety disorder (SAD), one of five psychiatric illnesses commonly referred to as anxiety disorders. Interviewed recently by Ability Magazine, Donny Osmond credits ADAA's President Ross with helping him to cope with his anxiety disorder.

"We are so excited that Donny is able to work with us to get out our message that anxiety disorders are real and treatable," said Jerilyn Ross, President and CEO of the ADAA. Osmond will work with ADAA on its upcoming 25th anniversary campaign as well as other educational initiatives.

Osmond has spent most of his 46 years at the very top of the music business, enjoying extraordinary success on his own, with his brothers and with his sister Marie. Between 1971 and 1973, 18 of Osmond's singles went gold, and in 1989, after years of honing his craft as singer, songwriter and producer, he stunned listeners with the release of "Soldier of Love," a worldwide hit that introduced the world to a more sophisticated, grown-up Donny Osmond. Since then, he set box office records while starring in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, co-hosted a talk show with his sister, starred in a PBS live concert special, hosts the game show Pyramid and has released two cds in the past four years with Decca/Decca Broadway. The critically acclaimed "This is the Moment," a collection of songs from Broadway, was followed up by Somewhere in Time, which went platinum overseas in one week! In fact, his last project, a dvd release from his 2003 European tour, was one of the ten best selling dvd/video releases in the UK in 2003. It will be released in the US later this year. Donny is currently at work on his next musical release with Universal due out early next year.

About Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
5.3 million Americans suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). Social anxiety is characterized by extreme anxiety about being judged by others or behaving in a way that might cause embarrassment or ridicule. This fear often results in extreme anxiety in anticipation of an activity, a panic attack when faced with an activity, or avoidance of an activity altogether. Physical symptoms associated with this disorder include heart palpitations, faintness, blushing and profuse sweating.

About the ADAA
The ADAA is the only national, non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting the early diagnosis, prevention and treatment of anxiety disorders. The aims of the Association are to promote professional and public awareness of anxiety disorders, stimulate research, increase the availability of treatment, and reduce the stigma surrounding anxiety disorders. To achieve these goals, the ADAA reaches out to clinicians, researchers and other healthcare professionals, as well as public policymakers, educators and consumers.

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