Lifeline Anxiety Disorder Newsletter

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March 9th - An injection of cortisol shortly after exposure to a traumatic event may prevent the onset of post traumatic stress disorder according to research from Tel Aviv University. The research is based on the possibility that cortisol may be linked to the ability to forget memories of the traumatic event. Since a diagnosis of PTSD is made only after an individual has been living with an acute stress symptoms, however, it cannot counteract the syndrome at that stage. The key is a single treatment after the exposure. Animal model findings are being taken to the US National Institute of Health in the hope of starting clinical trials within the next year.

Nice story from Wareham, UK (as a one-time husky owner, I love this one). Housebound agoraphobic, Ade Hill, was talked into taking in two rescue huskies last summer. Knowing that he must walk them, gave him the will to finally to go outside. Added to that, the fact that the dogs draw attention soon led Ade into conversation with other people. Now he has a third husky and is working as a volunteer for the Siberian Husky Welfare Association. He's even organised a sponsored walk for next month in Wareham Forest. So, if you're in England's West Country, think about taking part and say hello to Ade.

March 6th - Two clinical therapists with over 30 years of experience between them have created a new program for children using both well know and innovative means to treating childhood anxiety disorders including panic attacks, separation anxiety and social phobia and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Turnaround: Turning Fear Into Freedom™ is a comprehensive, creative audio program which speaks directly to children using a cognitive-behavioural approach. The child listening is invited to join six other children on an imaginary hiking trip with two Docs and a teen named Emily who acts as a narrator and mentor. The children have generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, perfectionism, obsessive-compulsive disorder, separation anxiety and social phobia. The two Docs, Dr. David and Dr. Chris take the children though an adventurous lesson each day in which they meet imaginary characters and find out about how many other children learned to conquer their fears and anxieties. The two Docs, David Russ and Christopher McCarthy, have created a truly unique program by ensuring that all the material is child friendly. The program includes the 10 CD Turnaround™ Program for kids, Turnaround™ Journal, a 74 page workbook, Chill Kit, a relaxation guide for kids and a 2 CD Parent Guide with helpful information and techniques for parents. There is also a bonus, Med FAQs, which is an interview with neuropsychiatrist, Dr. James Lee, on the medications used to treat child anxiety. For more information or to order go to www.myanxiouschild.com.

Daniel Alfredsson, the face of the Royal Ottawa Foundation's You Know Who I Am campaign, helped raise $220,000 for mental health conditions at the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group. Alfredsson, ose sister Cecilia battles anxiety disorder, says that he knows how hard it can be to talk about - and shameful - and everything that comes with it but we need to start talking. We need to destigmatize it. His two years with the foundation has brought about results previously expected in five according to president, Tim Kluke. Way to go Alfie.

March 4th - University of Edinburgh researchers have identified the hormone vasopressin as helping the brain differentiate between familiar and new scents. Published in the journal Nature, the study shows that when the hormone is not functioning, animals are unable to recognise others from their scent. Smell recognition is normally the basis for animals establishing strong bonds with other animals. The research, funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council may present clues about the way human beings make emotional connections through smell, implying that failure may be what prevents them from forming deep emotional bonds with others and offering possibilities for the cause of some forms of autism and social phobia.