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Epigenetic aging in anxiety disorders: diagnostic subtype differences and associations with social functioning
Kazutaka Ohi1, Daisuke Fujikane2, Yasuhisa Oida3
1Department of Psychiatry, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan. ohi.kazutaka.h8@f.gifu-u.ac.jp.
BMC Medicine
|November 18, 2025
Summary
Anxiety disorders show suppressed epigenetic aging, particularly social anxiety disorder (SAD). Lower social functioning correlates with this suppressed epigenetic aging, suggesting subtype-specific differences in anxiety disorders.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Psychiatry
- Aging Research
Background:
- Anxiety disorders (SAD, PD, GAD) are common, causing significant functional impairment.
- Epigenetic aging patterns in anxiety disorders are not well understood.
- This study explores epigenetic age acceleration across anxiety disorder subtypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate diagnostic subtype-specific epigenetic age acceleration in anxiety disorders.
- Examine the relationship between social functioning and epigenetic age acceleration.
- Incorporate meta-analyses to strengthen findings.
Main Methods:
- DNA methylation quantified using Illumina MethylationEPIC arrays.
- Epigenetic age acceleration estimated using PCHannumG2013 and other clocks.
- Social functioning assessed via the Social Functioning Scale; meta-analyses performed.
Main Results:
- Anxiety disorders exhibited suppressed epigenetic age acceleration, notably in SAD.
- Lower social functioning was linked to suppressed epigenetic age acceleration.
- Meta-analyses confirmed suppressed aging in SAD and a marginal increase in PD.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest subtype-specific epigenetic aging patterns in anxiety disorders.
- Social avoidance may offer protection in SAD.
- Inflammatory processes might influence PD epigenetic aging.
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