Genetic link between childhood and adult anxiety and depression

Hereditary factors are partly responsible for childhood anxiety and depression that persist into adulthood, according to an international study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.

In what is claimed to be the largest study of its kind in the world, the genetics of 64,641 children, aged between three and 18 years, were analysed using longitudinal data from the Early Genetics and Lifecourse Epidemiology consortium. Professor Christel Middeldorp, from The University of Queensland (UQ), said the study showed children who had similar levels of anxiety and depression were also alike genetically.

“It also revealed a genetic overlap between childhood and adult mental health disorders when comparing the results in this childhood study with results of previous studies in adults,” Middeldorp said.

“These findings are important because they help identify people most at risk of symptoms continuing across the lifespan, so intense treatment can be provided where needed.”

This is believed to be the first time researchers have conducted such a large-scale study examining the role of genetics in repeated measures of anxiety and depression in children. Middeldorp said genetic variants need to be investigated because they increase the risk of recurrence and co-occurrence with other disorders.

“Mental health symptoms often come together, so those who experience anxiety or depression have a greater risk of disorders such as ADHD, aggressive behaviour,” she said.

“We found that this co-occurrence is also due to genetic variants.”

Genetics account for around 40% of a person’s risk of suffering anxiety and depression, with environmental factors accounting for the rest. Middeldorp said while everyone can feel anxious or depressed from time to time, some people are better able to adjust to life’s circumstances.

“People with an anxiety disorder ruminate about their situation, preventing them from moving on,” she said.

“There is a difference in how people respond to stressors, and part of that difference is genetic.”

Researchers will now analyse the interplay of genetics and environmental variables, such as school and family life, to see how together they influence childhood anxiety and depression.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/WavebreakMediaMicro

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