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Copyright 1985, 1986, 1988, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2003, 2007
NORD is very grateful to Maria I. New, MD, Professor of Pediatrics and Human Genetics and Director of Adrenal Steroid Disorders Program, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, for assistance in the preparation of this report.
Synonyms of Addison's Disease
- Chronic Adrenocortical Insufficiency
- Primary Adrenal Insufficiency
- Primary Failure Adrenocortical Insufficiency
Disorder Subdivisions
General Discussion
Addison’s disease is a rare disorder characterized by inadequate production of the steroid hormones cortisol and aldosterone by the outer layer of cells of the adrenal glands (adrenal cortex). The symptoms of classic Addison’s disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, result from the insufficient production of these two hormones. Major symptoms include fatigue, gastrointestinal abnormalities, and changes in skin color (pigmentation). Behavior and mood changes may also occur in some individuals with Addison’s disease. Increased excretion of water and low blood pressure (hypotension) can lead to extremely low concentrations of water in the body (dehydration). The symptoms of Addison’s usually develop slowly, but sometimes can develop rapidly, a serious condition called acute adrenal failure. In most cases, Addison’s disease occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the adrenal glands causing slowly progressive damage to the adrenal cortex.
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Organizations related to Addison's Disease
- Addison's Disease Self-Help Group (UK)
P.O. Box 1083
Guildford, Surrey None GU1 9HX
Phone #: 084-4 5-88 2722
800 #: N/A
e-mail: info@addisons.org.uk
Home page: http://www.addisons.org.uk
- American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, Inc.
22100 Gratiot Avenue
Eastpointe MI 48021
Phone #: 586-776-3900
800 #: 800-598-4668
e-mail: aarda@aarda.org
Home page: http://www.aarda.org/
- AutoImmunity Community
None
None None None
Phone #: (91-9) -552-9057
800 #: N/A
e-mail: moderator@autoimmunitycommunity.org
Home page: http://www.autoimmunitycommunity.org
- Autoimmune Information Network, Inc
PO Box 4121
Brick NJ 08723
Phone #: 732-664-9259
800 #: N/A
e-mail: autoimmunehelp@aol.com
Home page: http://www.aininc.org
- Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Support Group
PO Box 66
Waihi
Hauraki None 3641
Phone #: +64- 3 -3584 507
800 #: 080-0 2-24 698
e-mail: CAHNZ@snap.net.nz
Home page: http://www.cah.org.nz/
- Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
PO Box 8126
Gaithersburg MD 20898-8126
Phone #: 301-251-4925
800 #: 888-205-2311
e-mail: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/EmailForm.aspx
Home page: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD
- Hormone Foundation
8401 Connecticut Avenue
Suite 900
Chevy Chase MD 20815-5817
Phone #: --
800 #: 800-467-6663
e-mail: hormone@endo-society.org
Home page: http://www.hormone@endo-society.org
- MUMS National Parent-to-Parent Network
150 Custer Court
Green Bay WI 54301-1243
Phone #: 920-336-5333
800 #: 877-336-5333
e-mail: mums@netnet.net
Home page: http://www.netnet.net/mums/
- MedicAlert Foundation International
2323 Colorado Avenue
Turlock CA 95382
Phone #: 209-669-2401
800 #: 888-633-4298
e-mail: Inquiries@medicalert.org
Home page: http://www.medicalert.org
- NIH/National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
2 Information Way
Bethesda MD 20892-3570
Phone #: 301-654-3810
800 #: 800-891-5389
e-mail: nddic@info.niddk.nih.gov
Home page: http://www.niddk.nih.gov
- National Adrenal Diseases Foundation
505 Northern Boulevard
Great Neck NY 11021
Phone #: 516-487-4992
800 #: --
e-mail: NADFmail@aol.com
Home page: http://www.nadf.us/
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