Related Concept Videos
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
Social Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Gene-Environment Interactions
Inheritance
Each gene exists in pairs, and the combination of these genes from both parents forms an individual's genotype. This genotype is a blueprint of potential traits. Examples of genotype traits...
You might also read
Related Articles
Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.
Gene-specific long-term course, neurodevelopmental outcome and quality of life in patients with LIS1/PAFAH1B1-, DCX-, DYNC1H1-, TUBA1A- and TUBG1-related lissencephaly.
Noncoding DNA Variants Increase the Genetic Diagnostic Yield in Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia.
High incidence of malignant arrhythmias and heart failure in patients with RBM20-associated cardiomyopathy: A multicenter cohort study and review of the literature.
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

Social Isolation Model: A Noninvasive Rodent Model of Stress and Anxiety
Published on: November 11, 2022
Are there anxious genes?
1Institute for Human Genetics and Anthropology, Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
Genetic predisposition to anxiety is clear, but its extent is unknown. Studies link serotonin transporter gene variations and chromosomal duplications to anxiety disorders like phobias and panic disorder.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatric Genetics
- Molecular Psychiatry
Background:
- Anxiety disorders encompass diverse phenotypes with a known genetic predisposition.
- The precise genetic contribution and etiology of anxiety disorders remain incompletely understood.
- Comorbidity with other psychiatric conditions suggests shared genetic factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review genetic analysis methods for complex anxiety disorders.
- To discuss the genetic basis of anxiety phenotypes and comorbidity.
- To highlight recent advances in identifying anxiety susceptibility genes.
Main Methods:
- Review of genetic analysis methodologies for complex psychiatric disorders.
- Examination of genetic studies on the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene.
- Genome-wide linkage scans and association studies for panic disorder.
- Analysis of chromosomal abnormalities, including duplications.
Main Results:
- Variation in the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene expression correlates with anxiety phenotypes.
- Genome-wide scans identified a panic disorder susceptibility locus on chromosome 7p.
- A significant association was found between phobias, panic disorder, and a duplication at chromosomal region 15q24-26.
Conclusions:
- Genetic factors play a significant role in anxiety disorders.
- Specific genes, such as 5-HTT, and chromosomal regions (e.g., 15q24-26) are implicated in anxiety susceptibility.
- Advanced molecular technologies and animal models offer future research directions.

