Genetics of Anxiety Disorders

Abstract

This review provides a broad overview of the state of research in the genetics of the major anxiety disorders (ADs). Overall, genetic epidemiological studies support a moderate level of familial aggregation (odds ratio: 4–6) and heritability estimates are about 30–50%. Twin studies suggest that the genetic architecture of ADs is not isomorphic with their classifications, sharing risk factors with each other and related phenotypes such as depression and anxious personality traits. Linkage and association studies of ADs have produced inconclusive results. Recently, genome-wide association studies with larger samples have been conducted to identify susceptibility genes for ADs. Animal studies provide a promising complimentary approach to human studies, since animal models for anxiety phenotypes are among the best validated across psychiatry. Gene environmental interaction and epigenetic studies may be important fields in the future research of genetics of ADs.