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Polygenic liability for anxiety in association with comorbid anxiety in multiple sclerosis

Kaarina Kowalec1,2, Arvid Harder2, Casandra Dolovich3

  • 1Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.

Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology
|May 8, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Higher genetic risk for anxiety is linked to increased anxiety symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This suggests a genetic basis for anxiety in MS patients, impacting disease progression.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Comorbid anxiety is prevalent in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and linked to disability progression.
  • Polygenic scores (PS) can predict anxiety risk but require validation in diverse populations.
  • Investigating the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item scale PS in MS is crucial for understanding anxiety etiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the association between the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item scale polygenic score and anxiety in individuals with MS.
  • To determine if genetic predisposition for anxiety is a significant factor in the development of anxiety in MS patients.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study design was employed, including participants from Canadian, UK Biobank, and United States cohorts.
  • Individuals were categorized into cases (MS with comorbid anxiety) and controls (MS without anxiety, or anxiety without immune disease, or healthy controls).
  • Anxiety was measured using current symptoms, lifetime interview diagnosis, and lifetime self-report physician diagnosis; the PS was computed for current anxiety symptoms.

Main Results:

  • The study analyzed 71,343 individuals of European genetic ancestry.
  • A 1-SD increase in the polygenic score was associated with approximately 50% increased odds of moderate anxious symptoms in MS patients (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.09-1.99).
  • Similar trends were observed across different anxiety measures, indicating a comparable genetic burden for anxiety in MS as in individuals with anxiety as the primary condition.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated genetic predisposition for anxiety is significantly associated with increased odds of moderate anxiety symptoms in individuals with MS.
  • The genetic burden for anxiety in MS is comparable to that in individuals with anxiety and no comorbid immune disease.
  • These findings suggest a notable genetic component underlying anxiety in Multiple Sclerosis.

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