The foundation member organisation PADA, was incorporated in South Australia in June 1987.  A consumer organisation representing people who have an anxiety disorder and comprising of support service people who have recovered from an anxiety disorder.  Running panic and anxiety management programs and information sessions on a regular basis.  Actively involved in undertaking various research projects conducted by Masters and PhD students from South Australian universities.

Anxiety is a normal life experience.  Low to moderate levels of anxiety increase alertness and performance.  However, people experiencing continuous or recurring episodes of heightened anxiety recognise it as being irrational and unrealistic, but feel powerless to manage its symptoms.  While there is a great deal of misunderstanding surrounding anxiety disorders, we believe recovery and freedom from anxiety is possible with education and a supportive environment. 

We believe that people develop anxiety disorders because of their inappropriate stress management skills that are related to and magnified by the person's inherent thought patterns and belief systems about self.  We believe that appropriate measures can be taken to overcome the problem.  We believe that recovery from anxiety disorders is a process of empowering the individual to view their health from a holistic perspective, to recognise their co-dependent behaviours, and to make self-responsible choices leading to optimum mental health.  We value input from consumers as to which approaches are most helpful.