The genetics of panic disorder

Abstract

Of the anxiety disorders, panic disorder (PD) has been the most extensively studied from a genetic standpoint. Results of family studies have consistently demonstrated that PD runs in families, and twin studies indicate that genes contribute to this familiality. However, phenotypic and genetic complexity has made finding the specific genes involved in PD a challenge. There is still uncertainty about how best to define the phenotype for genetic studies and whether it is the clinical phenotype of PD or more latent psychologic and biologic traits that are inherited. To date, molecular genetic studies have suggested some chromosomal regions and genes that may contribute to risk, but none of these have been established. We review the genetic epidemiology of PD as well as recent molecular genetic studies of the disorder, and conclude with a discussion of promising strategies that attempt to uncover specific genetic loci involved in the etiology of PD.

Family aggregation of mental disorders in the nationwide Danish three generation study

“…These findings corroborate those from prior family studies of clinical and community samples of probands for all disorders including substance use disorders [4,12,20], the schizophrenias [10,18,28], affective disorders [2,3,14,19,23,[25][26][27], and anxiety disorders [6,11]. We also found that there was strong specificity of familial aggregation of the probands' disorders, particularly in parents and siblings.…”

“…From less extended research it is also clear that among the anxiety disorders, panic disorders, agoraphobia, and generalized anxiety disorders are recurrent in families [6,11]. There is also evidence of a familial risk of suicidal ideation and suicidal behaviour in the general population [9].…”

A genome-wide study of panic disorder suggests the amiloride-sensitive cation channel 1 as a candidate gene

“…3,4 Estimates from family and twin studies ascribe a genetic contribution of approximately 40% to the disease etiology of the disorder. [5][6][7][8] However, the mechanism underlying PD is still unknown and presumably involves numerous susceptibility genes with major and/or minor effects. 9,10 Furthermore, the possibility of allelic heterogeneity, which most likely will reduce the power of performed studies to detect associated genes, exists.…”

The assessment and treatment of panic disorder in general practice

“…First-degree relatives are more liable to develop PD than the general population. [8][9][10][11] The majority of this familial risk is thought to be conferred by genetic factors. Twin studies have strengthened the case for genes, rather than for common family environments, in predicting PD, as evidenced by the higher concordance in monozygotic twins vs. dizygotic twins.…”