Anxiety Linked to 58 Genes, Not One Gene

Researchers have identified 58 genetic variants associated with an increased risk of anxiety, indicating that the disorder arises from a complex genetic landscape rather than a single gene. The study, published in Nature Genetics, points to 66 genes that may affect how the brain processes stress and threat.

This extensive research, which involved analyzing genetic data from more than 122,000 individuals diagnosed with anxiety disorders and over 729,000 controls, also uncovered substantial genetic correlations between anxiety and related conditions. These include depression, neuroticism, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicide attempts.

The identified variants and genes offer a potential roadmap for understanding the biological underpinnings of anxiety. Specifically, genes involved in regulating the brain chemical GABA, known for its calming effects and targeted by existing anti-anxiety medications, were highlighted. This provides converging evidence for previously suspected brain circuits and biochemical systems.

While these discoveries illuminate a biological vulnerability to anxiety, they do not negate the significant impact of life experiences. The researchers suggest that identifying individuals with a higher genetic predisposition could lead to developing earlier interventions and more effective, personalized treatment strategies for anxiety disorders in the future.