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Welcome to ADAC/ACTA. We are a registered
Canadian non-profit organization whose aim is to
promote the prevention, treatment and management
of anxiety disorders and to improve the lives of
people who suffer from them.
Anxiety Disorders are the most common mental health
concern in Canada. They are also highly treatable.
Our organization seeks to educate consumers, professionals
and the public at large about anxiety disorders so
that together, informed treatment choices can be
made.
Our National Board of Directors consists
of a blend of clinicians and consumers. Our Scientific
Advisory Committee consists of many prominent
Canadian experts in the field of Anxiety Disorders.
As well, our Consumer Advisory Committee consists
of Canadian consumers and/or consumer family members
who advise the ADAC/ACTA Board of Directors on the
issues related to living with anxiety disorders. |
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Anxiety is a normal reaction that many people experience.
It is very common to feel nervous or uptight before an exam
or to have ‘butterflies’ in the stomach before
going on a first date. An anxiety disorder, however, is diagnosed
when various symptoms of anxiety people experience create
significant distress and some degree of functional impairment
in their daily living. A person with an anxiety disorder
may find it difficult to function in areas of life such as
social interactions, family relationships, work or school.
Often, different anxiety disorders occur together or with
other conditions such as depression or substance abuse.
There are six main Anxiety Disorders in adults and seven
in children/youth. These include: Social Anxiety Disorder,
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Panic Disorder with or without
Agoraphobia, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Specific Phobia,
Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Separation Anxiety (in
children and youth).
If you feel that you suffer from and anxiety disorder, you
are not alone. They affect about 12% of all Canadians in
any given year. They are also very treatable! |
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Each of the anxiety disorders has a specific set of
criteria for diagnosis. Behavioural avoidance, excessive
worry and physiological signs of anxious arousal are some
of the common symptoms of an anxiety disorder. Together,
these interfere with the quality and function of daily
living. Please refer to our Anxiety Disorders menu for
detailed descriptions of each disorder.
Scientifically supported (“evidence-based”)
treatments are
available to help with anxiety disorders. These include
a form of psychotherapy called Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
as well as certain types of medication specifically developed
to help alleviate the associated symptoms. Both types of
treatment have been shown to be equally effective. If people
do not improve with one form of treatment, they are likely
to improve with another. These treatments are typically
used separately but they may also be used in combination. |
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