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Genome-wide expression and response to exposure-based psychological therapy for anxiety disorders
S Roberts1, C C Y Wong1, G Breen1,2
1King's College London, Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK.
Translational Psychiatry
|August 30, 2017
Summary
This study explored gene expression changes in anxiety patients undergoing exposure therapy. While no significant associations were found, preliminary evidence suggests a role for specific genes in treatment response.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Genetics
- Molecular Psychiatry
Background:
- Exposure-based psychological treatments are effective for anxiety disorders.
- A significant portion of patients do not respond to these therapies.
- Research into the biological basis of therapy response, particularly gene expression, is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate genome-wide gene expression profiles in relation to treatment outcomes for anxiety disorders.
- To identify potential biological markers associated with response to exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy.
Main Methods:
- Whole blood gene expression was analyzed using microarrays in 102 patients with panic disorder or specific phobia.
- Linear regression models assessed the association between treatment outcome and gene expression changes.
- Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was employed to explore module-level expression changes.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant associations between gene expression changes and treatment outcomes were observed after multiple testing correction.
- A small number of genes (n=20) showed suggestive associations (q<0.5) with treatment outcome.
- Network analysis did not reveal significant associations between module expression changes and treatment outcome.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary findings suggest a potential, albeit not statistically significant, role for a small set of genes in predicting response to exposure therapy.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex biological underpinnings of psychological treatment response in anxiety disorders.
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