Can Anxiety Be Genetic?

Medically reviewed by Andrea Brant, LMHC
Updated October 9, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Anxiety doesn’t have one single, isolatable cause. As with most mental health disorders, it can develop in an individual based on a combination of factors. That said, genetics is thought to be one of them. Researchers are still studying exactly which genes are the most closely connected, as well as which other components of health (such as the medical conditions of family) or personal history may play a role in the abnormal stress response of anxiety disorders, but it seems clear based on a wealth of research that genetics are undeniably a part of anxiety risk. Read on to learn more about what studies have uncovered about this link so far.

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The role genetics play in anxiety disorders

If the answer to the question Is anxiety genetic? is yes, then to what extent are genetic variations responsible for the development of anxiety disorders? Genetic factors play a part in an individual’s susceptibility to many different diseases. Some rare diseases, such as sickle-cell anemia or Tay-Sachs disease, are entirely caused by mutations in the genome. Other illnesses are caused by viruses or bacteria, though genetic factors can affect the strength of an individual’s immune system. So how much does your ancestry affect your odds of developing a mental illness like an anxiety disorder?

A 2017 review of literature on the topic that was published in Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience concluded that the risk factors for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are roughly 30% genetic.  This is considered a “moderate genetic risk.”

In other words, if you have a family history of generalized anxiety disorder, you’ll have a noticeably higher likelihood of developing similar symptoms. Researchers are just starting to link variations in certain genes to anxiety disorders. For example, the serotonin transporter genotype 5-HTTLPR has been associated with generalized anxiety disorder—a connection that helps explain why selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can help manage anxiety. While the exact genetic variations that influence anxiety (and the mechanisms by which they do so) are still being uncovered, it is evident that the genetic component of these complex disorders is significant. 

That said, the genetic causes of anxiety are only some of the potential contributors. Environmental influences (e.g., physical illness), the existence of other mental health conditions (e.g., major depression), stressful life events (e.g., childhood trauma), and temperament (e.g., traits like neuroticism and introversion) are also associated with an increased risk of developing an anxiety disorder. Studies show that depression and anxiety are interrelated, being one of the most common co-existing mental health conditions.

Additionally, other anxiety disorders may have vastly different genetic risk factors—like social anxiety disorder, for which the genetic component is estimated to be anywhere from 13% to 76%. Or consider the case of bipolar disorder, which has a significant genetic component—as high as 60–85%—but where symptoms may also not manifest in some cases unless or until triggered by an external event.

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The genetic causes of anxiety disorders

It’s clear that genetic factors play a role in the likelihood of developing anxiety disorder such as generalized anxiety disorder, however, the numbers can vary widely depending on the condition. Each genetic component effects the brain in a different way, and medically reviewed research is continuing to show the relationship between anxiety-genetic components. A few of the many genes that researchers have linked to anxiety are listed below, categorized by disorder.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Marked by persistent worry and apprehension, generalized anxiety disorder (sometimes styled generalised anxiety disorder) can significantly impact an individual’s mental and physical health, relationships, and ability to function. Based on the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, an individual must experience three of six possible symptoms most days out of a six-month period to be diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. Studies in molecular genetics have associated variations in the following candidate genes with generalized anxiety disorder. 

RBFOX1

RBFOX1 plays a significant role in controlling other genes that coordinate the formation of the human nervous system. Major mutations can result in conditions like epilepsy or intellectual disabilities. Research suggests that some variants of the RBFOX1 gene may also be linked to anxiety sensitivity, a personality factor indicating how likely you are to feel afraid in response to physical changes like shaking, sweating, and a racing heartbeat. This effect may be related to the way RBFOX1 controls receptors for GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps reduce excitement and agitation.

NTRK2

This gene affects receptors for several types of growth factors that influence brain development. It seems to play a large role in the formation of the amygdala, a region of the brain that controls emotions like fear and panic. Some variants of the NTRK2 gene seem to increase the prevalence of anxiety, perhaps by causing the amygdala to be more sensitive to possible signs of danger.

Social anxiety disorder 

Previously called social phobia, social anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive nervousness and worry associated with social situations. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the symptoms of social anxiety disorder lead to “clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning”. Through studies on clinical populations and certain demographics, social anxiety disorder has been linked to genetic polymorphisms and other variations in the following genes. 

SLC6A4

The SLC6A4 gene modifies the molecular pumps that allow your neurons to reabsorb serotonin after it’s released. Studies have indicated that differences in this gene may affect a person’s likelihood of developing social anxiety disorder. Other genes that affect serotonin receptors appear to have similar effects, strengthening the case for serotonin’s role in anxiety.

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OXTR

There is evidence of a significant association between a specific modification of this gene and both state and trait anxiety. In a study titled “Novel Developments in Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanisms of Anxiety”, researchers note that OXTR is connected to social anxiety disorder. OXTR affects the receptors for the hormone oxytocin, which helps to generate feelings of well-being and stimulate interpersonal bonding. A person with decreased sensitivity to oxytocin may have trouble feeling relaxed and calm in social situations. 

Panic disorder

Frequent panic attacks—sudden periods of intense anxiety—are the primary feature of panic disorder. If an individual experiences ongoing panic attacks that cause a persistent fear of their recurrence, they may be living with panic disorder. The following are genes that have been implicated in the development of panic disorder. 

ASIC1a

Many individuals with panic disorder report feeling like they’re being suffocated or smothered during panic attacks, and they also appear to be more sensitive to inhaled carbon dioxide. Researchers have noticed a similar sensitivity in animals with mutations in ASIC1a, another gene involved in the development of the amygdala. When they investigated the same gene in humans, they found two specific variants that seemed to correlate with panic disorder

MAOA

The MAOA gene facilitates the functioning of the enzyme monoamine oxidase A, which can break down neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine and norepinephrine) that help us manage physiological and psychosocial stress. Elevated levels of MAOA have been connected to depressive symptoms, as well as several other affective and anxiety disorders, including panic disorder. The use of medications that inhibit MAOA when treating panic disorder supports its inclusion as a candidate gene, according to a study titled “Are There Anxious Genes?” 

Other ways in which anxiety can be passed on

It’s worth noting that anxiety can be genetic, but also “inherited” from family members through learned behavior, too. A 2015 study, for example, noted that the enactment of certain behaviors by parents may make their children more likely to develop anxiety disorders. How does this work? One possibility is that some parents may provide consistent examples of anxious behavior. Since children tend to develop their emotional habits based on how their parents or caregivers behave, they could unconsciously absorb the message that life is filled with danger and that excessive worry is normal. Some people with anxiety disorders may also be prone to engaging in overprotective, intrusive, and/or controlling parenting styles. Growing up with this type of parental behavior can make it harder for children to develop a robust sense of confidence and emotional safety.

How to avoid passing anxiety on to your children

You can’t control the genes your child will inherit, but you might be able to adjust the behaviors you display that they may learn from. A few parenting tips that could help you avoid passing anxiety on to your child by example include:

  • Give your child room to fail. A 2021 examination of research on anxiety found substantial evidence that overly controlling parenting behavior can contribute to anxiety in children—especially social anxiety. If you frequently take over tasks for your child, limit their interactions with peers, or shield them from negative feedback, you could make it hard for them to learn emotional resilience. It might help to remind yourself that failure and social challenges can be an important part of learning and growth.

  • Avoid discussing worst-case scenarios. Many anxious parents are tempted to try and keep their kids safe by describing the most terrible possible consequences of risky behavior. This tendency could lead a child to experience chronic stress or anxiety. When they ask you why they can’t run with scissors, for example, instead of saying “You could stab yourself and die”, you might simply say, “You could get hurt”.

  • Talk openly about anxiety and other feelings. You might worry that telling your child how anxious you feel could increase their own feelings of anxiety. In reality, the opposite could happen: Having an open discussion could make learning to deal with stress and fear less frightening for your children. A study published in the Journal of Family Psychology found that parents who were less willing to talk about their feelings tended to have more anxious children. When you’re experiencing anxiety, you might consider explaining it to your kids and talking about constructive ways to respond to difficult emotions.

Treatment with therapy

The above parenting techniques can make your child less likely to inherit any anxious tendencies that you may exhibit. However, seeking treatment for yourself can also be a powerful strategy. A therapist can help you learn to challenge distorted anxious thoughts, implement relaxation techniques, and develop healthy coping mechanisms for when you do experience symptoms of anxiety. These changes can help you enjoy increased functioning and better overall well-being and help you exhibit healthier behaviors for your child.

Evidence-based care guidelines suggest that psychotherapy is the most reliable treatment for many anxiety disorders. If a busy schedule or a rural location would make it hard for you to regularly meet with a provider in person, you might consider online therapy as an alternative to in-office sessions. A review of research on the topic indicates that therapy can be equally effective when delivered via internet or in person, with the authors stating that internet therapy “appears to be an efficacious treatment for anxiety in adults”. If you’re interested in trying this format, you might consider a virtual therapy platform like BetterHelp. You can get matched with a licensed therapist who you can meet with via phone, video call, and/or online chat to address the challenges you may be facing. Regardless of the format you may choose, compassionate support for those experiencing anxiety is available.

Takeaway

There’s no one, clear cause of anxiety disorders. Instead, research suggests that a variety of different factors may contribute to a person’s risk of developing such a disorder. Genetic factors appear to be one, while environmental factors such as parenting behaviors likely represent another.
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