According
to the National Institute of Mental Health, "more than 23
million Americans suffer from anxiety disorders, which include
panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic
stress disorder, phobias and generalized anxiety disorder."
These resources can help. See the related
subjects for additional information about mental illness
and specific anxiety disorders.
One of the
American Psychiatric Association's "Let's Talk About..."
pamphlets, this page provides an overview of generalized anxiety
disorder, phobias, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders,
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), theories about causes,
and treatments. There is also a bibliography and list of resources
.
An association
of "professionals who conduct research and treat anxiety
disorders and individuals who have a personal or general interest
in learning more about such disorders," ADAA "promotes
the prevention and cure of anxiety disorders and works to improve
the lives of all people who suffer from them." The "About
Anxiety Disorders" section is filled with useful fact sheets.
The sections for consumers and professionals provide information
about resources from ADAA and other sources.
The Anxiety
Disorders Education Program is "a national education campaign
developed by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to
increase awareness among the public and health care professionals
that anxiety disorders are real medical illnesses that can be
effectively diagnosed and treated." Its web site includes
information about anxiety disorders, news releases, the full
text of brochures and other materials produced by NIMH, and information
for health care professionals. A Spanish
version is also available.
This nonprofit
web site offers good basic information about anxiety disorders,
geared for consumers. There is a small "Directory of Anxiety
Health Care Professionals," whom we assume are members of
the organizations.