Silver Spring, MD (July 18, 2002) - The Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) will hold its 23rd National Conference March 27-30, 2003 at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto, Canada. The theme, , "Effective Care: Getting Help to Those Who Need It," focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders. Although both biological and psychological treatments are available, most people who suffer from anxiety disorders do not receive treatment. Of equal concern are the many people who receive treatments that are not based on sound scientific research. The year's National Conference Program co-chairs are Richard Swinson, M.D. FRCPC, FRCPsych and Martin Antony, Ph.D., both of McMaster University and St. Joseph's Healthcare in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

The conference provides education about the nature, management and treatment of anxiety disorders. This information is geared toward health care professionals, individuals with anxiety disorders and their families, and the general public. These meetings also serve as a forum for the presentation of the latest research data.

The more than 500 attendees include psychiatrists, psychologists, researchers, clinicians, social workers, family and general practitioners, and laypersons interested in self-help. There are training sessions, research sessions, clinical consultation forums, poster sessions, and education/self-help sessions. On the Thursday before the conference begins there will be full-day Pre-Conference Workshops exploring specific topics of anxiety disorders. Professionals can receive CME/CE credits for attending Pre-Conference and Conference sessions.

Call for Papers
We invite all interested parties to submit abstracts. Presentations should address the diagnosis, cause, treatment or any subject relevant to anxiety disorders. All abstracts are peer-reviewed. Please note the following deadlines:
• September 6, 2002 for Research, Clinical, Education and Self-Help abstracts,
• November 30, 2002 for New Research Poster presentations.
The abstract submission form can be downloaded from the ADAA website at www.adaa.org, or call the ADAA at (240)485-1030.

About the ADAA
The ADAA is the only national, nonprofit partnership of researchers, health care professionals, and individuals with anxiety disorders. The ADAA is dedicated to the early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of anxiety disorders. It is the Association's goal to promote professional and public awareness and understanding of anxiety disorders; it also seeks to increase the availability of effective treatment, reduce the stigma surrounding anxiety disorders, and stimulate research. For more information on the ADAA, or on anxiety disorders, please go to the website at www.adaa.org.