Molecular and Imaging Genetic Markers in Panic Disorder

Abstract

(from the chapter) In this chapter, the authors give an overview of the present state of knowledge on the genetics of panic disorder. The relevant findings from clinical and molecular genetic studies, interaction analyses as well as meta-analyses of single association studies are presented in detail with particular emphasis on candidate genes involved in the serotonergic, noradrenergic and dopaminergic system, such as the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and the serotonin receptor IA (5-HT1A) genes. An additional special focus will be on the adenosine receptor 2A (A2A) gene, which has been found to be associated with panic disorder and also with anxiety levels after caffeine administration in a gene-environment interactional model. Finally, the first imaging genetic findings in panic disorder as published by the authors using fMRI techniques in combination with molecular genetic association analyses are reviewed, taking into account the present intermediate phenotype discussion in the investigation of complex genetic disorders. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved) (chapter)