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Study Uncovers 58 Genes Linked to Anxiety Disorders

2/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The study published in Nature Genetics concludes that anxiety disorders arise from multiple genetic variants, not a single "anxiety gene," using data from over 120,000 affected individuals and about 730,000 controls.
The international team identified 58 genetic variants linked to anxiety and overlaps with depression and PTSD.
Researchers say understanding biological vulnerabilities could improve early interventions.
The findings could lead to new therapies by revealing signaling pathways involved in anxiety.

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Story summary

The study published in Nature Genetics concludes that anxiety disorders arise from multiple genetic variants, not a single "anxiety gene," using data from over 120,000 affected individuals and about 730,000 controls.
The international team identified 58 genetic variants linked to anxiety and overlaps with depression and PTSD.
Researchers say understanding biological vulnerabilities could improve early interventions.
The findings could lead to new therapies by revealing signaling pathways involved in anxiety.