Journal of Anxiety Disorders, Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 69–95, 2000 Copyright  2000 Elsevier Science Ltd Printed in the USA. All rights reserved 0887-6185/00 $–see front matter Pergamon PII S0887-6185(99)00041-9 THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVE Future Directions in Anxiety Disorders: Profiles and Perspectives of Leading Contributors Peter J. Norton, MSc. and Gordon J. G. Asmundson, Ph.D. Clinical Research and Development Program, Regina Health District, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada Brian J. Cox, Ph.D. University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada G. Ron Norton, Ph.D. University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Abstract—Eight of the most influential clinicians and researchers in the study and treat- ment of anxiety disorders were identified by polling professional members of the Anxi- ety Disorders Association of America. These eight individuals are (in alphabetical or- der): James C. Ballenger, David H. Barlow, Aaron T. Beck, David M. Clark, Edna B. Foa, Rick G. Heimberg, Donald F. Klein, and Isaac M. Marks. Each offered their thoughts on a set of questions concerning the current and future status of the anxiety disorders field. Profiles and perspectives of these individuals are presented.  2000 Else- vier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. It is our sincere hope that the perspectives and comments presented here will prove useful to aca- demics, clinicians, and students alike. This information provides a solid framework from which to stimulate discussion and debate, generate new approaches, and focus our efforts. The authors would like to express their gratitude to the individuals who were profiled, for donating their time and efforts in sharing their perspectives on the future of the anxiety disorders. Requests for reprints should be sent to Peter J. Norton, MSc., Department of Psychology, Uni- versity of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588-0308, USA. E-mail: norto17@ibm.net 69