Mental Disorders

Resources in this category:

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
http://www.aacap.org/

"For many years, the Academy has been trying to help its members increase their knowledge and skill in the treatment of mental illness of children and their families throughout the United States and now throughout the world. We have always been working hard to increase the level of knowledge and the level of expertise to prevent mental illness in children wherever they live." This site provides lins to information regarding public education, clinical practices, membership, research, national affairs, directories and mailing lists. You can access the site in English or in Spanish.

American Association of Suicidology
http://www.suicidology.org/

"The American Association of Suicidology is dedicated to the understanding and prevention of suicide. AAS promotes research, public awareness programs, education and training for professionals and volunteers. In addition, it serves as a national clearinghouse for information on suicide... This site is designed as a resource for anyone concerned about suicide, including AAS members, suicide researchers, therapists, prevention specialists, survivors of suicide, and people who are themselves in crisis." It has a directory of support groups for survivors of suicide and a directory of crisis centers.

American Association on Mental Retardation
http://www.aamr.org/

"AAMR is the oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization of professionals (and others) concerned about mental retardation and related disabilities". Its "mission is to promote global development and dissemination of progressive policies, sound research, effective practices, and univeral human rights for people with intellectual disabilities". The AAMR website provides access to a vast number of online resources on various aspects of mental retardation and related issues, information on profesisonal publications , meetings and continuing education for professionals in the field.

American Hyperlexia Association
http://www.hyperlexia.org/

The American Hyperlexia Association (AHA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the identification of hyperlexia (a language disorder), the promotion of effective teaching techniques, and education of the general public. This website contains information about the symptoms and treatments of hyperlexia, catalog of AHA resources, on-line 'toolkit' of advice for parents, connection to the hyperlexia listserv and links to related sites.

Anxiety Disorders Association of America
http://www.adaa.org/

"ADAA promotes the prevention and cure of anxiety disorders and works to improve the lives of all people who suffer from them. The association is made up of professionals who conduct research and treat anxiety disorders and individuals who have a personal or general interest in learning more about such disorders." There's information about the various anxiety disorders and a glossary of terms as well as sections for consumers and professionals.

Autism Society of America
http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer

"The mission of the Autism Society of America is to promote lifelong access and opportunities for persons within the autism spectrum and their families, to be fully included, participating members of their communities through advocacy, public awareness, education, and research related to autism." To this end, the site provides information on various topics related to autism.

Canadian Mental Health Association
http://www.cmha.ca/bins/index.asp

"The Canadian Mental Health Association, founded in 1918, is one of the oldest voluntary organizations in Canada and the only one to deal with all aspects of mental health and mental illness. CMHA is a national organization with approximately 135 branches in communities of all sizes, in all provinces and territories, and a Division office in each province and territory. CMHA's grassroots programs are meant to ensure that people whose mental health is endangered will find the help needed to cope with crisis, regain confidence, and return to community, family and job. CMHA combats mental health problems and emotional disorders through research and information services, sponsored research projects, and workshops, seminars, pamphlets, newsletters and resource centres." On this site, which is available in French or English, the latest newsletter is available as well as information about CMHA publications, projects, policies, events, and conferences. There are also links to local branches of the association.

Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation
http://www.bpkids.org/site/PageServer

"The Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation (CABF) is a parent-led, not-for-profit, web-based membership organization. The Foundation educates families, professionals, and the public about early-onset bipolar disorders; supports families to maximize the well-being of the child while minimizing the adverse impact of bipolar disorders on the family; and advocates for increased services to families and research on the nature, causes, and treatment of bipolar disorders in the young." This informative site includes a learning center with info on early-onset bipolar disorder and reference materials, a community message board area, and links to resources needed by patients and their families.

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
http://www.chadd.org/

"Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) was founded in 1987 in response to the frustration and sense of isolation experienced by parents and their children with AD/HD.... Today, individuals and families dealing with AD/HD turn to CHADD, the national organization representing individuals with AD/HD, for education, advocacy and support." The site offers a wealth of information about the disorder as well as legislative and research issues, news releases, "Attention!" magazine, membership and conference information and access to local chapters. There are also links to pertinent government sites, legislative, legal and state resources, coexisting disorders, special education, disability and health issues, and other AD/HD organizations.

Erickson Learning Foundation
http://www.erickson-learning.org/

"The homepage of the Erickson Learning Center and Foundation (non-profit) offers excellent training for parents and educators of those with Dyslexia, ADHA, and other learning disorders. It also offers essential information on Learning Disorders and an excellent book that is published by the foundation. This homepage will be updated with the latest information on Learning Disorders and will answer questions that are submitted."

FRAXA Research Foundation
http://www.FRAXA.org/

The FRAXA Research Foundation is a national, non-profit organization run by parents and medical professionals dedicated to the research of Fragile X Syndrome, the #1 inherited cause of mental retardation. The website contains information on the cause, symptoms and treatments for Fragile X Syndrome, research funded by FRAXA, excerpts from FRAXA's newsletter and links to related sites.

Learning Disabilities Association of America
http://www.ldaamerica.us/

"The Learning Disabilities Association of America is a national, non-profit organization. Our purpose is to advance the education and general welfare of children and adults of normal or potentially normal intelligence who manifest disabilities of a perceptual, conceptual, or coordinative nature." Fact sheets and recent alerts/bulletins are available at this site.

Learning Disabilities Association of Canada
http://www.ldac-taac.ca/

"The LDAC is a national, non-profit voluntary organization which was founded in 1963 and incorporated in 1971. It is dedicated to advance the education, employment, social development, legal rights and general well-being of people with learning disabilities." Information about learning disabilities on this site includes a checklist of behavioral characteristics of learning disabled students, intended for teachers.

Mental Health America
http://www.nmha.org/

"Oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness...through advocacy, education, research and service." Find information about NMHA programs, a directory of affiliates, information about a variety of mental disorders, news, and an events calendar. The Resource Center has factsheets on mental illness, NMHA position statements, and information on ordering NMHA publications.

National ADDA
http://www.add.org/

The National Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) is an "organization built around the needs of adults and young adults with ADD and ADHD." This website provides an on-line library of ADD articles, chat room, adult and parent support groups, self-help groups, an on-line newsletter, frequently asked questions, bibliography of ADD resources, and links to other ADD-related sites.

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
http://www.nami.org/

The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) is a national, non-profit organization dedicated "to eradicate mental illness and improve the quality of life of those affected by these diseases." This website contains information on various forms of mental illness, anti-discrimination articles, current news and legislation information, help for coping with mental illnesses and links to related sites.

National Attention Deficit Disorder Association
http://www.add.org/

"The National Attention Deficit Disorder Association is an organization built around the needs of adults and young adults with ADD and ADHD. We seek to serve individuals with ADD, as well as those who love, live with, teach, counsel, and treat those who do." The site features news, information about ADD, news, and personal stories.

National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association
http://www.ndmda.org/

The National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association (NDMDA) is a not-for-profit organization established to educate patients and professionals concerning the nature and management of depressive and manic-depressive illnesses, foster self-help for patients and families, eliminate discrimination and stigma, improve access to care, and advocate for research toward the elimination of these illnesses. This website contains descriptions of mental illness, names of support groups, Ask the Doctor section, catalog of relevant materials, descriptions of current research and links to related sites.

Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation
http://www.ocfoundation.org/

The "OCF, founded in 1986 is a world-wide, not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing public awareness of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), as well as providing support and information to those who have OCD, their family and friends, and medical professionals." This site contains an explanation of OCD, professional articles related to diagnosis and treatment of OCD, a complete listing of OCD support groups, a calendar of medical conferences and lectures, book reviews of helpful materials, and links to other OCD sites.

Recovery, Inc.
http://www.recovery-inc.com/

"Recovery Inc. is a mental health self-help program based on the ground breaking work of the late Abraham A. Low, M.D., our founder, a neuropsychiatrist. We are non-profit, non-sectarian and completely member managed. Recovery, Inc. has been active since 1937 and we have groups meeting every week around the world. Our members include people diagnosed with mood disorders including depression, dysthymia and bipolar (manic-depressive) disorders; psychotic disorders including schizophrenia; anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders; and personality disorders." This site contains an introduction to the Recovery methodology, professional articles regarding Recovery and self-help programs, information on joining your local Recovery program and a description of Dr. Abraham Low's principles of self-help.

ReThink
http://www.rethink.org/

"Voluntary organisation which campaigns on behalf of, and provides support to, people with a severe mental illness, their family and carers." Site includes information about the fellowship, its campaigns, fundraising, conferences, advice services, regional services, and publications.

Sexual Compulsives Anonymous
http://www.sca-recovery.org/

Sexual Compulsives Anonymous (SCA) is a non-profit international organization dedicated to helping men and women recover from sexual addiction using the basic 12 Steps of Recovery. This website contains an on-line catalog of SCA resources, excerpts from the SCA newsletter "The SCAnner", list of local contacts, description of the 12 step recovery program, information on how to become a member, and links to other SCA-related sites.