Genes linked to anxiety and related conditions
Genome-wide association studies of anxiety spectrum phenotypes: Furthering the PGC Anxiety Disorders Working Group
['FUNDING_R01'] · TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR · NIH-11134230
This project looks for genetic differences that help explain why some adults develop anxiety disorders.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11134230 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will combine genetic data from tens of thousands of adults with and without anxiety to pinpoint DNA differences tied to generalized anxiety, panic, and phobias. They will expand earlier work by adding many more participants and including people of non-European ancestry to make findings more broadly applicable. The team will use genome-wide scans and statistical meta-analysis to find susceptibility genes and genetic regions. The results will be used to improve prediction of clinical risk and guide future prevention and treatment research, although no treatments are given as part of this work.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobias, or other anxiety-spectrum conditions, and adults without anxiety who can provide genetic data, are the ideal contributors.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate symptom relief or changes to their current treatment are unlikely to benefit directly, since this is genetic research rather than a clinical treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could clarify causes of anxiety and help create better risk prediction tools and inform development of new prevention or treatment approaches.
How similar studies have performed: Previous large GWAS by this working group found dozens of genetic signals across anxiety disorders, but turning those findings into treatments is still at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES
- TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR — COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HETTEMA, JOHN M — TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR
- Study coordinator: HETTEMA, JOHN M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Affective Disorders, Anxiety Disorders