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July 1, 2026Molecular PsychiatryOpen Access

Genome-wide genetic overlap between fear-based disorders and generalised anxiety disorder

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Authors

AKAbigail ter KuileBMBrittany L. MitchellSLSang Hyuck Lee

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Overview

Randomized trial reveals genetic distinctions in anxiety disorders, suggesting a shared internalising liability.

Key Points

  • The research aims to explore the genetic overlap between fear-based disorders and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
  • Conducted GWAS meta-analyses for fear disorders (panic, agoraphobia, specific phobia, social anxiety disorder) and GAD using datasets with detailed phenotyping.
  • Analyzed up to 35,523 cases and 157,447 controls for fear, and up to 60,879 cases and 117,064 controls for GAD.
  • Examined genetic correlations using phenotype-specific control groups and broader anxiety/depression screening.
  • Identified one genome-wide significant locus for fear and four for GAD, along with three gene-level associations for both conditions.
  • The genetic correlation between fear and GAD was significantly different from unity (r g = 0.87; P = 9.32 × 10 −3 ) when excluding a depression-enriched dataset.
  • Certain traits showed stronger genetic correlations with fear over GAD and vice versa, indicating complex genetic relationships among disorders.

Cite This Study

Kuile et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a44af055cd2549c8bc442d1https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-026-03677-2
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