Anxiety Attacks / Phobias / Agoraphobia

Self Help Clearinghouse

Anxiety Disorders Association of America

National network. 197 groups. Founded 1980. Promotes the diagnosis and treatment of all anxiety and related disorders including obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, specific phobia, social anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Listing of state-by-state local support groups, brochures, information about anxiety disorders, local listing of healthcare professionals providing treatment for anxiety disorders and a national listing of clinical trails provided free.
Write:
Anxiety Disorder Association of America
8730 Georgia Ave., Suite 600
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Voice: 240-485-1001
Fax: 240-485-1035
Website: http://www.adaa.org
Verified: 12/2/2009

Agoraphobics In Motion (AIM)

National. 7 groups. Founded 1983. Support group that uses specific behavioral and cognitive techniques, along with an adapted 12-Steps of AA to help people recover from anxiety disorders. Relaxation techniques, small group discussions and field trips. Group development guidelines ($2.50). Informative facilitator's manual ($15). Subscription available for weekly handouts ($30/yr).
Write:
AIM
1719 Crooks Rd.
Royal Oak, MI 48067
Voice: 248-547-0400
Website: http://www.aim-hq.org
E-mail: anny@ameritech.net
Verified: 10/14/2010

International Paruresis Association, Inc.

International network. 35 affiliated groups. Founded 1996. Provides emotional support and information for persons with paruresis (shy or bashful bladder). Supports research to develop effective treatments. Information, referrals, literature, phone support, workshops, conferences and advocacy. Assistance in starting similar groups.
Write:
International Paruresis Association
P.O. Box 65111
Baltimore, MD 21209
Voice: 1-800-247-3864 or 410-367-1253
Fax: 410-367-1254
Website: http://www.paruresis.org
E-mail: info@paruresis.org
Verified: 10/13/2010

Recovery International

International. 600 groups. Founded 1937. Mental health self-help organization that offers weekly peer-led meetings for people suffering from various emotional and mental conditions. Telephone and internet-based meetings also available. Principles parallel those found in cognitive-behavioral therapy. Teaches people how to change their thoughts, reactions and behaviors that cause their physical and emotional symptoms.
Write:
Recovery International
105 W. Adams St., Suite 2940
Chicago, IL 60610-
Voice: 312-337-5661
Fax: 312-726-4446
Website: http://www.recovery-inc.org
Verified: 9/15/2010

GROW in America

International. 143 groups. Founded in 1957. 12-Step. Group offers mutual help, friendship, community, education and leadership. Focuses on recovery and personal growth. Open to all including those with mental health issues, depression, anxiety, grief, fears, etc.
Voice: 1-888-741-4769
E-mail: growil@sbcglobal.net
Verified: 12/10/2009

Panic Survivor

Online. Support group for persons who suffer from anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, hypochondria or any other form of anxiety. Focus is on recovery and day-to-day survival with a 'can do' attitude.
Website: http://panicsurvivor.com
Verified: 10/13/2010

The Panic Center

Online. Offers online scheduled support group meetings, forums and e-mail list. Addresses various types of anxiety, panic attacks and phobias.
Website: http://www.paniccenter.net
Verified: 10/13/2010

'Taking Flight' Fear of Flying Support

Online. Mutual support group created by and for fearful fliers for their own recovery. Message boards, information and a variety of resources.
Website: http://www.takingflight.us
Verified: 10/13/2010

Selective Mutism Foundation, Inc.

National. Founded 1992. Pioneering group that offers mutual support for professionals and parents of children with selective mutism or social phobia (a psychiatric anxiety disorder in which children are unable to speak in social situations). Includes social anxiety and shyness. Also open to adults who have or outgrew the disorder. Provides information and online support. Website contains DSM revisions, research studies, printable brochures, literature and publications.
Write:
Selective Mutism Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 13133
Sissonville, WV 25360
Website: http://www.selectivemutismfoundation.org
E-mail: carolyn@selectivemutismfoundation.org
Verified: 10/11/2010

The Selective Mutism Group

Online. Devoted to educating and promoting awareness about selective mutism and other related childhood anxiety disorders. Online support group for parents, teachers and professionals dealing with selective mutism. Individual or family membership $45/yr.
Website: http://selectivemutism.org
Verified: 9/28/2010

Dental Fear Central

Online. Founded 2004. Support for anyone with an extreme phobia of dentists or specific dental fears. Information for dental professionals and dental students with an interest in dental anxiety management. Various message boards, including one for mutual support and another to 'Share Your Success Story.' 'Ask the Dentist' section and information on coping with different fears associated with dentistry.
Website: http://www.dentalfearcentral.org
Verified: 10/13/2010

Gift From Within

Online. (WOMEN ONLY) Offers a one-on-one post-traumatic stress disorder e-mail/pen pal support network, where female victims of specific trauma can be matched with survivors of similar PTSD. Audio-visual resources available.
Website: http://www.giftfromwithin.org
Verified: 10/13/2010

International Emetophobia Society Forums

Online. Support for people who suffer from emetophobia - an irrational fear of vomiting, to help them with their fears and share their experiences with others. Several topics are addressed, such as: social isolation, obsession, travel issues, morning sickness and eating strategies.
Website: http://www.emetophobia.org
Verified: 5/3/2010

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