Is Anxiety Genetic or Environmental?

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, but understanding where it comes from is the first step toward managing it. While research shows that genes play a role in anxiety disorders, environment and life experiences are just as important. This article explores how genetics and external factors work together to influence anxiety, and what you can do to manage your risk.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a common mental health condition defined by persistent worry or fear. Types of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (PD), agoraphobia, specific phobias, social anxiety disorder (SAD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). 

Mental health professionals diagnose anxiety disorders and other mental health conditions based on guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM-5).

Is Anxiety Genetic? 

Research suggests that anxiety is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. This means that anxiety is not simply inherited, but also learned or triggered by various environmental influences, making it a multifaceted disorder.

Studies have shown that the heritability rate of anxiety disorders and anxiety-related traits is approximately 30-50%. This means that about 30-50% of the risk of anxiety disorders derives from inherited genes, and 50-70% from environmental factors.

Studies also suggest that the heritability rate is twice as high among monozygotic twins (identical twins who share 100% of their genetic material) compared to dizygotic twins (fraternal twins who share, on average, 50% of their genetic material).

What is the “Anxiety Gene?”

There is no single “anxiety gene”. Researchers have found that multiple specific genes, such as SATB1, PDE4B, MAD1L1, CAMKMT, LINC01360, and TMEM106B, are associated with increased anxiety risk as they influence the production and regulation of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals in the brain that play a crucial role in anxiety.

Do Anxiety Disorders Run In Families?

Many studies have found that anxiety disorders run in families. For example, having a parent with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), agoraphobia, or panic disorder increases your risk tenfold for these conditions. Yet, this doesn’t mean you’ll definitely develop anxiety. Many people without any family history still experience it. 

Genetic Predisposition vs Genetic Determinism

Genetic determinism proposes that genes solely dictate our traits and behaviors. Genetic predisposition acknowledges that genes play a role, but other factors, such as personal choices and environmental factors, also have a significant contribution. 

Anxiety disorders and other mental illnesses, such as major depression, are not solely determined by genetics. 

Genetics can increase the likelihood of developing anxiety disorders, but having a genetic predisposition (family members with anxiety disorders) does not mean a person will develop anxiety or other mental health conditions themselves. 

Inherited traits such as introversion and neuroticism can trigger anxious thoughts and other symptoms of anxiety disorders. But learned behaviors can also cause similar symptoms. For example, a child who grows up watching their parents react with anxiety to specific situations may learn to model that behavior.

Also, not having close relatives with anxiety disorders does not guarantee that a person won’t develop these mental illnesses.

Is Social Anxiety Genetic?

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a mental health condition in which a person experiences severe discomfort or unease in social situations. Researchers have found there is a genetic component to SAD. The magnitude of heritability is approximately 15%. Studies also suggest that people with SAD are more likely to be introverted.

Parenting style can also play a role in the risk of developing social anxiety disorder. For example, overprotection or overinvolvement can lead to social anxiety symptoms in children.

Genetics vs Environment: What Causes Anxiety?

Some of the environmental factors that can trigger anxiety disorders include:

• Childhood trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse, neglect, witnessing domestic violence, or parental loss.

• Overprotective or over-controlling parenting styles.

• Social isolation, discrimination, bullying, or lack of social support. 

• Stressful life experiences such as job loss, financial difficulties, relationship problems, divorce, or the death of a loved one. 

• High levels of noise and air pollution, overcrowding, and a lack of green spaces.

• Personality traits like introversion

• Substance abuse 

• Chronic stress and physical health conditions

Epigenetic changes, how gene expression is altered by environmental factors, can also play a role by affecting the body’s stress-response system (HPA axis). 

The resulting changes in gene expression can make a person more vulnerable to anxiety disorders or make them respond differently to stressors.

Managing Genetic Risk

As noted, genetics and anxiety are closely related. But having a family history of anxiety disorders does not mean you will experience them yourself. 

However, if you do experience anxiety, there are ways to manage symptoms, including:

• Lifestyle choices, such as reducing stress with relaxation techniques and mindfulness, can be beneficial.
• Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help people with anxiety disorders identify negative thoughts and improve coping skills.

• Social support groups can provide a network of people who offer encouragement, understanding, and practical assistance, creating a sense of belonging and security.

• Medications to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and other mental health conditions, such as anxiolytics and antidepressants, can help people manage symptoms of anxiety.

There are no genetic tests to identify an anxiety disorder. If you have close family members with anxiety disorders, talk to your healthcare professional about lowering your risk with lifestyle choices and psychotherapy.