Mental Health Experts to Speak at Savannah Conference March 6-9

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Mental Health Experts to Speak at Savannah Conference
March 6-9

SILVER SPRING, Md. (Feb. 25, 2008) — From March 6 to 9 in Savannah, Ga., the Anxiety Disorders Association of America will host a national conference for professionals who specialize in anxiety disorders. Approximately 600 doctors, social workers, therapists, researchers, and other experts will speak at or attend the conference, held at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center.

The media will have an opportunity to interview some of these experts on a variety of mental health topics:

Diagnosing and treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the military
Yoga and mindfulness as treatments for anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and depression
Eating disorders, body image, and anxiety disorders in adolescents and adults
Screening anxiety to identify psychopathology on university campuses
PTSD therapy for rape survivors
Antidepressants and suicide
Internet addiction
Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety
Anxiety and chronic pain such as fibromyalgia

A public education program is also part of the conference. Held Saturday, March 8, at 9:30 a.m., Help and Hope for Anxiety Disorders will educate people about anxiety disorders, including available treatments and how to help a family member struggling with anxiety and depression. Jerilyn Ross, MA, LICSW, and other experts will host the two-hour event at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa. It is free and open to everyone.

Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric illnesses affecting children and adults, with more than 40 million U.S. adults suffering from an anxiety disorder. These disorders include obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD), posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder (SAD), phobias, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

The Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) is the leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing awareness and improving the diagnosis, treatment, and cure of anxiety disorders through education and research. ADAA offers free educational information and resources about anxiety disorders, local treatment providers, self-help groups, self-tests, clinical trials, and more. ADAA promotes the message that anxiety disorders are real, serious, and treatable.