Mental DailyMental Daily
  • Clinical
  • Health
  • I/O
  • Cybernetic
  • Social
  • More
    • Opinion
    • My Bookmarks
Aa
Mental Daily
Aa
  • Clinical
  • Health
  • I/O
  • Cybernetic
  • Social
  • Opinion
Search
  • Clinical
  • Health
  • I/O
  • Cybernetic
  • Social
  • More
    • Opinion
    • My Bookmarks
Follow US
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Inc. Profile
  • Google Play Store
© 2022 - Mental Daily. All Rights Reserved.
Clinical

Gene linked to serotonin may hold key to social anxiety disorder

Staff Writer
Staff Writer 6 years ago
Updated 2019/07/10 at 4:56 AM
Share
SHARE

Researchers at the University of Bonn have conducted one of the most important studies on social anxiety disorder (SAD) thus far. According to Science Daily, a gene associated with encoding a serotonin transporter in the brain may play a crucial role in SAD. And interestingly enough, the serotonin transporter acts on the brain by reducing levels of anxiety and depression.

Individuals suffering from SAD avoid situations in which they feel others will negatively judge or criticize them. If chronic, the disorder could develop into avoidant personality disorder, a more severe form of SAD. It is estimated that one in ten people have been affected by SAD at some point in their lives. And therefore, researchers have initiated a massive amount of studies figuring out what causes SAD.

As published in the journal Psychiatric Genetics, a team of researchers at the University of Bonn may have stumbled upon something important. Dr. Andreas Forstner and his team of investigators analyzed the DNA of 321 participants; it was compared with 804 control individuals, with a primary focus to investigate single nucleotide polymorphisms, also known as SNPs.

SNPs are said to be the cause of genetic disorders — 24 SNPs were analyzed in which are suspected of causing SAD.
The study is still ongoing. Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn will be asking their patients questions about their symptoms and the severity of them. Additionally, the participant’s DNA will also be analyzed by taking blood samples.


So far, the link between genetics and signs of SAD are currently being investigated utilizing statistical methods.
However, data collected before the study suggests that the SNP, serotonin transporter gene SLC6A4, may hold clues as to the cause of SAD.

This gene encodes a mechanism in the brain that is involved in transporting the important messenger serotonin. This substance suppresses, among other things, feelings of fear and depressive moods. “The result substantiates indications from previous studies that serotonin plays an important major role in social phobia,” said Dr. Rupert Condrad, one of the lead researchers.

You Might Also Like

New study explores test that can detect Alzheimer’s years before diagnosis

Prenatal exposure to pollution may be linked to lower cognitive scores in infants

Researchers unveil new drug candidate to help treat adrenoleukodystrophy

New research finds Alzheimer’s risk factors affect males and females very differently

Study establishes critical role in regulating excessive folding of gyri in brain

TAGGED: anxiety, genes, social anxiety disorder
Staff Writer March 10, 2017
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp Email Print
Previous Article Happy music triggers positive memories, study finds
Next Article Survey examines the use of e-cigarettes at vape shops

Recommended

Clinical

New study explores test that can detect Alzheimer’s years before diagnosis

1 Min Read
Clinical

Prenatal exposure to pollution may be linked to lower cognitive scores in infants

1 Min Read
Clinical

Researchers unveil new drug candidate to help treat adrenoleukodystrophy

1 Min Read
Clinical

New research finds Alzheimer’s risk factors affect males and females very differently

1 Min Read
//

We are a trusted online source for research news and resources on all aspects of the mind and human behavior.

Verticals

  • Clinical
  • Health
  • Social
  • I/O
  • Opinion

Social

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Inc. Profile
  • Google Play Store

Links

  • About
  • Contact
  • The Editor
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Follow US

© 2022 Mental Daily. All Rights Reserved.

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Inc. Profile
  • Google Play Store

Removed from reading list

Undo
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?