HELPING CONSUMERS COPE WITH ANXIETY DISORDERS
ANXIETY DISORDERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA'S 23RD ANNUAL CONFERENCE

SILVER SPRING, MD (MARCH 24, 2003) - The Anxiety Disorders Association of America's 23rd Annual Conference, Effective Care: Getting Help to Those Who Need It, is being held at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto, March 27-30, 2003. This year's focus will be on providing diagnosis and treatment to an underserved population, individuals suffering from anxiety disorders. Over 19 million (13.3%) adult Americans (ages 18-54) and 1 in 8 children (ages 9-17) suffer from anxiety disorders every year. Less than 1/3 of these individuals receive proper diagnosis and treatment, making anxiety disorders an important health concern to address. Jerilyn Ross, M.A., L.I.C.S.W., President and CEO of the ADAA, says, "Anxiety disorders can have a very negative impact on the quality of life of sufferers and their families, adversely affecting everything from personal relationships to productivity at work. These disorders are real, serious and treatable. It is crucial that they are diagnosed and treated as early and effectively as possible."

An important aspect of the ADAA conference is giving consumers the opportunity to network with other sufferers. The ADAA is pleased to have two special guests in attendance at this year's meeting. Lt. Gen. Roméo Dallaire will be a keynote speaker at the opening session on Friday, March 28. Lt. Gen. Dallaire's most well-known command appointment was his peacekeeping and United Nations Assistance mission to Uganda and Rwanda in 1993, on which he served as Commander of the United Nations Observer Mission. He is one of the most vocal military figures speaking out about Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and he is working to reform the Canadian Forces Mental Health system. One of the reasons for Dallaire's dedication to PTSD is that he himself suffers from the disorder.

Jamie Blyth, from the ABC television show "The Bachelorette" will also be at the ADAA conference. He will be discussing his struggles with Social Anxiety Disorder and panic attacks

The ADAA conference offers anxiety disorders sufferers and their families tools to help them cope. Experts will share their real-world experience and give honest, practical advice; there will be support group sessions headed by experienced therapists; there will be sessions focusing on OCD, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Phobias, as well as a Q&A on medications; and there will be presentations on virtual reality and other new treatments.

About the ADAA
The ADAA is the only national, nonprofit partnership of researchers, health care professionals, and individuals dedicated solely 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.