Anxiety Disorders Association of America - History

History

Founded in 1980 as the Phobia Society of America by a group of clinicians and patients, ADAA changed its name to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America in 1990. The organization's headquarters is located in Silver Spring, Md. They fund scientific research through grants and awards and promote awareness that anxiety disorders are real and treatable.

ADAA is guided by a board of directors, scientific advisory board, and clinical advisory board and is supported through donations. The association holds an annual conference focused on the science and treatment of anxiety and anxiety-related disorders in children and adults. ADAA publishes self-help books such as "Facing Panic," "Triumph Over Shyness: Conquering Social Anxiety Disorder," in hopes of helping the estimated 40% of anxiety suffering Americans the opportunity to cope with and possibly overcome the disorder. Informational brochures that are available through its website.

In spring 2008, ADAA launched "Treat It, Don't Repeat It: Break Free From OCD," a national educational campaign about obsessive-compulsive disorder. The campaign included public service announcements featuring Howie Mandel, host of "Deal or No Deal;" Tony Shalhoub, star of the award-winning TV Series "Monk" about a detective with OCD; and David Hoberman, co-creator and executive producer of "Monk."

In June of 2008, it was announced that ADAA would join with HealthCentral to provide further information, advice, and support to those with anxiety disorders. ADAA would create a blog to be used as an additional resource to HealthCentral's own website for anxiety disorders. Other features such as video interviews with ADAA experts and help for those with specific phobias were also planned.

In 2012, ADAA changed its name from The Anxiety Disorders Association to The Anxiety and Depression Association of America to better reflect the comorbidity of anxiety disorders and depression.

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