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Genetics of anxiety disorders

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Abstract

There is considerable evidence that genetic determinants play a major role in the etiology of anxiety. Investigations into susceptibility genes for anxiety are well underway, particularly for panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder and more broadly defined anxiety-related traits, such as neuroticism and harm avoidance. This review will discuss some of the core issues related to diagnosis and molecular genetic methodology, followed by a review of recent molecular genetic findings for anxiety. The authors will attempt to highlight the numerous convergent and exciting findings. Given the rapid acceleration in knowledge of the human genome, a more definitive understanding of the genetic roots of these complex conditions may be anticipated in the relatively near future.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Anxiety Disorders Clinic, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, M5T 1R8, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Margaret A. Richter MD

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  1. Paul D. Arnold MD
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  2. Gwyneth Zai BSc
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  3. Margaret A. Richter MD
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Arnold, P.D., Zai, G. & Richter, M.A. Genetics of anxiety disorders. Curr Psychiatry Rep 6, 243–254 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-004-0073-1

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