Genetics of anxiety disorders: how genes influence risk and treatment need
Official title: Genome-wide association studies of anxiety spectrum phenotypes: Furthering the PGC Anxiety Disorders Working Group
Funded at Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr · NIH-11384489 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant looks at how our genes influence anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety and panic, with findings that could lead to better risk prediction and new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2017 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $533,020 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH113665-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384489 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with anxiety disorders or those at risk who could participate in genetic studies or related follow-up research.
✕Less likely to help
People without anxiety disorders or without involvement in genetic research may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will expand a large genetic study of anxiety disorders to include more diverse groups and identify specific genetic risk factors. They combine data from many cohorts to look for DNA variants linked to anxiety and related genes. The goal is to improve understanding of what causes anxiety and how these genetic signals might inform prevention and future therapies. The work builds on a big, collaborative effort with many researchers and datasets to increase statistical power. If successful, it could move us toward more personalized approaches for people with anxiety disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of genetic risk could lead to earlier detection and more targeted treatment options for anxiety disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous GWAS in anxiety disorders have found multiple associated regions and genes, suggesting promise for larger, more diverse analyses.
Where this research is happening
-
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
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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.