Anxiety and Heredity - Is Anxiety Genetic?

Published: 04/23/2025 | Updated: 01/16/2026

Authored by: Taylor Shaw, B.S.

Edited by: Angeleena Francis, LMHC

In short, yes, some studies have shown that anxiety is a disorder which has a hereditary aspect or genetic predisposition. Genetic factors can influence the likelihood that an individual may struggle with an anxiety disorder. According to the Yale School of Medicine, after the Yale Department of Psychiatry studied the genetic profiles of over 1 million participants around the world, they found over 100 genes associated with anxiety.¹

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Genetic Studies

Clinical neuroscience can evaluate a person’s genome and find consistent patterns throughout family history, proving the genetic influence over certain mental disorders. Recent studies have proven that Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD, is a heritable condition with a moderate genetic risk, and a heritability of approximately 30%.²

Panic Disorder Genetic Studies

Kendler, a prominent researcher of mental health disorders and twin studies, found that there are a variety of genetic factors that can play into different types of anxiety. For example, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, and OCD all have significant prevalence. For panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and probably phobias, genes largely explain this familial aggregation.³

Anxiety and Depression Comorbidity

Kendler also has published studies on the comorbidity (the simultaneous existence of two disorders at the same time) of anxiety and depression. Within the limits of our statistical power, his findings suggest that in women, the liability to major depression and generalized anxiety disorder is influenced by the same genetic factors, so that whether a vulnerable woman develops major depression or generalized anxiety disorder is a result of her environmental experiences.⁴ SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are antidepressants known to help with both depression as well as anxiety.

Environmental Factors

Nearly every study regarding the heredity of anxiety and other mental disorders will note that environmental factors still play a large role in the prevalence of anxiety, panic disorders, PTSD and more. According to Erikson’s “Epigenetic Principles,” these stressful life events that occur during different stages of development can affect the proceeding stress responses throughout one’s daily life. Environmental influences, life experiences, the co-occurrence of other mental illnesses and more can all impact whether or not an individual experiences anxiety.

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More About Anxiety

An estimated 31.1% of U.S. adults experience any anxiety disorder at some time in their lives, and approximately 31.9% of adolescents struggle with any anxiety disorder.⁵ If you or your loved one are struggling with anxiety and looking for effective treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to AMFM Mental Health Treatment to begin your mental health recovery process today. Symptoms of anxiety:

Panic Attack
Hyperventilation
Shortness of Breath‌
Muscle Tension
Chest Tightness
Heart Palpitations
Increased Heart Rate

Anxiety disorders can include but are not limited to:

Panic Disorder
Generalized Anxiety disorder
Agoraphobia
Specific Phobias
Social Anxiety Disorder (social phobia)
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Separation Anxiety Disorder

Inpatient Treatment for Anxiety

Inpatient Treatment for Anxiety refers to residential, or live-in mental health care programming in a facility. Inpatient treatment allows you or your loved one to engage in interpersonal therapy with licensed therapists and group therapy sessions, while healing in a safe and supportive environment. Inpatient mental health programming for anxiety usually also provides the highest level of care, with 24/7 clinical care, psychiatry and medication management, and personalized treatment plans for lasting well-being.

Outpatient Treatment for Anxiety

Outpatient Treatment (IOP or PHP) programs offer comprehensive mental health care at a more flexible schedule, with both in-person and virtual options available. Unlike residential care, intensive outpatient treatment can offer online therapy and programming, but without 24/7 clinical teams on staff. Outpatient treatment plans still offer a combination of individual and group therapy, through a holistic approach, but in a less structured environment.

If you have been struggling with one or more of the anxiety symptoms we have mentioned, know that you’re not alone. A Mission For Michael Mental Health Treatment has admission counselors available around the clock to help determine which treatment options can assist you in managing anxiety. Contact us today to begin your confidential and free mental health assessment.

Find Anxiety Treatment Programs

A Mission For Michael (AMFM) provides treatment for adults experiencing various conditions. Anxiety support is a phone call away – call 866-478-4383 to learn about our current treatment options.

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What is Anxiety Mental Health Treatment Like?

In a mental health treatment center, the day-to-day may vary depending upon your diagnoses and personalized treatment plan, but it will often consist of some combination of individual therapy sessions, group therapy sessions, psychiatry services, and more. AMFM Mental Health Treatment combines holistic and evidence-based mental health services in order to help each person overcome their particular obstacles and mental health conditions with a fresh toolkit of skills.

Group Therapy

Group therapy sessions can be used to help provide structured times to help you understand that you are not alone in your struggles, offering peer support, and the reminder that others are also walking through these challenges. At the same time, groups provide guidance from qualified mental health professionals, with suggestions and communication from psychologists with specialized backgrounds. These groups can span a variety of backgrounds, including but not limited to art therapy, somatic therapy, and narrative therapy.⁶

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that’s focused on restructuring and reprogramming maladaptive and negative thought processes. Psychologists are trained to help adults and young adults change their cognitive and emotional processes in order to outgrow maladaptive coping mechanisms.⁷

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is most commonly referred to as “talk therapy,” and is designed to help process emotions. Qualified professionals offer psychological therapy to move forward with healthy ways of engaging in interpersonal relationships and alleviating physical and emotional distress.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

EMDR Therapy is a renowned method of reprocessing most often used in trauma therapy. By activating the prefrontal cortex through a series of bilateral stimulation, qualified professionals can lead you through traumatic experiences, helping you to alleviate the distress symptomized by trauma.⁸

Crisis Intervention and Stabilization Services

A crisis is defined by the National Library of Medicine “as an overwhelming event, which can include divorce, violence, the passing of a loved one, or the discovery of a serious illness.”⁹ The goal of crisis intervention is to provide safety and reduce any potential harm to an individual undergoing a crisis.

Family Therapy

AMFM Mental Health Treatment offers family therapy through virtual family support groups that provide a dedicated time for families to engage in supportive and constructive interactions, fostering stronger relationships, and enhancing the overall treatment experience. Recovery takes a village, and it’s often helpful for family members to be involved in behavioral growth.

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Citations

“Yale Scientists Uncover Genetic Predisposition to Anxiety < Yale School of Medicine.” Yale School of Medicine, 19 September 2024, https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/yale-scientists-uncover-genetic-predisposition-to-anxiety/. Accessed 9 April 2025. Gottschalk MG, Domschke K. Genetics of generalized anxiety disorder and related traits. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2017 Jun;19(2):159-168. doi: 10.31887/DCNS.2017.19.2/kdomschke. PMID: 28867940; PMCID: PMC5573560. Hettema JM, Neale MC, Kendler KS. A review and meta-analysis of the genetic epidemiology of anxiety disorders. Am J Psychiatry. 2001 Oct;158(10):1568-78. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.158.10.1568. PMID: 11578982. Kendler KS, Neale MC, Kessler RC, Heath AC, Eaves LJ. Major depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Same genes, (partly) different environments? Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1992 Sep;49(9):716-22. doi: 10.1001/archpsyc.1992.01820090044008. PMID: 1514877. “Any Anxiety Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).” National Institute of Mental Health, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder. Accessed 8 April 2025.https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder “Psychotherapy: Understanding group therapy.” American Psychological Association, 31 October 2019, https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/group-therapy. Accessed 20 February 2025. “APA Dictionary of Psychology.” APA Dictionary of Psychology, https://dictionary.apa.org/cognitive-behavior-therapy. Accessed 20 February 2025. “What is EMDR?” EMDR Institute, https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/. Accessed 20 February 2025. MA, Carlberg K. “Crisis Intervention – StatPearls.” NCBI, 24 April 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559081/. Accessed 20 February 2025.

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Anxiety and Heredity - Is Anxiety Genetic?