Scientists have identified 74 locations in the human genome linked to anxiety symptoms, with 39 of them newly discovered in the latest large-scale study. The research, involving more than 690,000 people, marks the largest number of anxiety-related genetic associations reported so far.
The findings suggest that anxiety is influenced by many genetic factors rather than a single gene, reinforcing the idea that the condition is biologically complex. Researchers also said the results point to a mix of genetic and environmental influences, with life experiences continuing to play an important role in how anxiety develops.
Megan Skelton, research fellow at King’s College London and the study’s first author, said the team’s findings help improve understanding of how anxiety symptoms may arise at a biological level. The study also highlights why prevention and treatment approaches need to account for both inherited risk and environmental triggers.
The researchers said the newly identified regions may help guide future work on the biology of anxiety and could eventually support more targeted treatment strategies. They added that the results strengthen evidence that anxiety shares genetic links with other mental health conditions and related traits.
