The large-scale study on twins has shown that the variations of symptoms of generalized anxiety are more likely to be related to life's circumstances, but these manifestations are based on a stable genetic component. The work was published in the PSYCHOLOGICAL Medicine (PM) magazine.
Scientists have analyzed the data of 6429 pairs of twins from England and Wales from 23 to 26. It turned out that about 60% of the stability of anxiety can be explained by hereditary factors at this age. At the same time, the short-term trespassing changes were mainly due to the influence of the environment, stress, or other daily events in the workplace.
The study also showed that the symptoms of anxiety in young adults are grouped into two main clusters. The first is related to physical manifestations, tension, anxiety and discomfort, the second includes a desire to avoid stressful situations. At the same time, both types are largely based on a common genetic basis, but are in different ways under the influence of life's circumstances.
"We have found that the stability of generalized anxiety in the age of 23 to 26 is largely explained by genetics, while the changes make the impact of the environment," said Zhenev and Morno-Vayankour, a leading author of Montreal University.
Scientists emphasize that the high level of heredity does not mean a pre-determination. Genetic factors only lay grounds, and the specific manifestation of anxiety depends on experience and overcoming strategies. For example, such global events in Covid-19 have enhanced symptoms, which indicates the interaction between genetic predisposition and stressful circumstances.
The results of the study help better understand how anxiety develops at a young age at a time when people start to live on their own, build a career and build relationships. According to the authors, this knowledge can be useful for finding genetic markers of anxiety disorders, to develop new methods of prevention and treatment.
Translation of: Euromedia24.com
