Abstract
There is considerable evidence that genetic determinants play a major role in the etiology of anxiety. Investigations into susceptibility genes for anxiety are well underway, particularly for panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder and more broadly defined anxiety-related traits, such as neuroticism and harm avoidance. This review will discuss some of the core issues related to diagnosis and molecular genetic methodology, followed by a review of recent molecular genetic findings for anxiety. The authors will attempt to highlight the numerous convergent and exciting findings. Given the rapid acceleration in knowledge of the human genome, a more definitive understanding of the genetic roots of these complex conditions may be anticipated in the relatively near future.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Anxiety Disorders / genetics*
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Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / genetics
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Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / metabolism
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Catechol O-Methyltransferase / genetics
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Catechol O-Methyltransferase / metabolism
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Child
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Cholecystokinin / genetics
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Cholecystokinin / metabolism
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Gene Expression / genetics
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Genetic Linkage / genetics
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Glutamic Acid / genetics
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Humans
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Inhibition, Psychological
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Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics
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Membrane Transport Proteins / genetics
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Molecular Biology / methods
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
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Neurotic Disorders / genetics
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / genetics
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Panic Disorder / genetics
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Panic Disorder / metabolism
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Phenotype
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Point Mutation / genetics
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Serotonin / genetics
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Serotonin / metabolism
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Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
Substances
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Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
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Membrane Glycoproteins
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Membrane Transport Proteins
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Nerve Tissue Proteins
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SLC6A4 protein, human
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Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
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Serotonin
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Glutamic Acid
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Cholecystokinin
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Catechol O-Methyltransferase