Contact: Craig D'Ooge (202) 707-9189; Sherry Levy-Reiner, Lecture Series Coordinator, (202) 707-1513

May 9, 1996

Fifty Years Of NIMH Progress Is Focus Of Series

Speakers for the final three programs in the series, "Fifty Years of Progress in Understanding and Treating Mental Illness" have been announced by the Library of Congress and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) of the National Institutes of Health.

All sessions are free and open to the public. They take place in the Library of Congress's Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave., SE, from 8:30 AM-10 AM. The programs and speakers include:

Friday, May 31

"Developmental/Learning Disorders," Dining Room A, 6th Floor
Joseph Coyle, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry and Chair, Consolidated Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School
Albert M. Galaburda, M.D., Professor of Neurology and Neuroscience, and Director of Dyslexia Research, Beth Israel Hospital, Boston

Mild cognitive deficits and learning disabilities affect millions of American children. It is common for several of these disorders to occur together and for their symptoms to change with age: language disability in preschoolers regularly becomes dyslexia at school age. Boys are 3-4 times more often affected than girls. Child psychiatrist Joseph Coyle and neurologist Albert Galaburda will discuss how new insights to learning and developmental disabilities can help us help our children.

Thursday, June 6

"Alzheimer's Disease," Dining Room A, 6th Floor
Trey Sunderland, M.D., Chief, Section on Geriatric Psychiatry, Laboratory of Clinical Science, NIMH
Pierre Tariot, M.D., Co-director, University of Rochester Geriatric Neurology and Psychiatry Clinic; and Director of Psychiatry, Monroe Community Hospital

Approximately 4 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's Disease. By age 85, one out of every four Americans will be victims. Demands on families and caregivers are high; resources are few; and effective treatments are in the early stages of development. Trey Sunderland will report on researchers' progress in learning about Alzheimer's and Pierre Tariot will consider issues in treating the elderly. A caregiver will share experiences with the audience.

Wednesday, June 12

"Anxiety Disorders," Pickford Theatre, 3d Floor
Susan Swedo, M.D., Acting Director, Mental Health Intramural Research Program, and Chief, Section on Behavioral Pediatrics, NIMH
Thomas Uhde, M.D., Chair, Department of Psychiatry, Wayne State University
Jerilyn Ross, M.A., L.I.C.S.W., President, Anxiety Disorders Association of America

"Anxiety disorders" include a group of illnesses: generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, panic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD). While anxiety is part of life, fears are abnormal when they interfere with daily living. At least 1.6 percent of adult Americans will experience panic disorder at some time in their lives. Phobias afflict more than 12 percent of all Americans. Panelists will describe some of these disorders in greater detail and examine how the appropriate combination of psychotherapy and medications can help most people overcome these disorders and lead productive lives.

The series "Fifty Years of Progress in Understanding and Treating Mental Illness" marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the National Mental Health Act, which enabled the establishment of NIMH. It is part of the Decade of the Brain initiative, organized by the Library of Congress and NIMH, to advance the goals set forth in a Joint Congressional Resolution signed in 1990 by President George Bush declaring the 1990s the "Decade of the Brain." Interpreting services (American Sign Language, Contact Signing, Oral and/or Tactile) will be provided if requested five business days in advance of the event. Call (202) 707-6362 TTY and voice to make a specific request. For other ADA accommodations, please contact the Library's DisabilityEmployment Program office at (202) 707-9948 TTY and (202) 707-7544 voice.

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PR 96-72
5/10/96
ISSN 0731-3527

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