Contacts: Sarah Goodwin Kathi Ovnic Holly Korschun

July 3, 1999

'WHEN IS ANXIETY AN ILLNESS?' Topic Addressed July 15 by Emory Psychiatrist Nationally Recognized for Anxiety Research The difference between the anxiety we all experience and that which can become disabling will be discussed by Emory University psychiatrist Philip Ninan, M.D., at a free public lecture Thursday, July 15 from 7-8:30 p.m. in the fourth floor conference room of Wesley Woods Health Center, 1841 Clifton Rd., N.E. Call 404/ 727-8968. During the lecture, titled 'When is Anxiety an Illness?' Dr. Ninan will discuss how clinicians distinguish between 'typical' anxiety and anxiety disorders such as panic disorder, general anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Updates on current medication and behavioral therapy will be discussed as well as research into new drugs ­ a number of which are being tested at Emory ­ and research that has improved the understanding of brain mechanisms underlying these disorders. Benefits of self-help techniques such as relaxation and breathing exercises also will be reviewed. The event is sponsored by the mood and anxiety disorders program of the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Emory University School of Medicine. More information is available at the program's website at: www.emory.edu/WHSC/MED/PSYCHIATRY/MOODANXIETY.   ###