Researchers have identified 74 genetic regions associated with anxiety, including 39 previously undiscovered DNA variants, in what is being described as the largest genome wide association study (GWAS) ever conducted on the condition. The findings could significantly improve the understanding of anxiety disorders and accelerate the development of more targeted and personalized treatments.

Published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour, the international study was led by scientists from King’s College London and Australia’s QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute. Researchers analysed genetic data from 693,869 individuals of European ancestry, making it the most comprehensive genetic investigation of anxiety to date.

The study identified 74 genomic regions linked to anxiety susceptibility, with 39 genetic signals reported for the first time. Researchers found that many of these genes are involved in brain development, nerve cell communication and biological pathways that regulate emotional responses, highlighting the complex genetic architecture underlying anxiety disorders.

Scientists believe the findings could help improve risk prediction, enable earlier identification of individuals vulnerable to anxiety disorders and support the development of precision medicine approaches. The newly identified genetic markers may also help researchers discover novel drug targets and better understand why some individuals respond differently to existing treatments.

According to WHO, anxiety disorders are among the world’s most common mental health conditions, affecting an estimated 301 million people globally. In India, mental health experts have also reported a steady rise in anxiety related disorders, driven by lifestyle changes, workplace stress, chronic illnesses and social factors, underscoring the need for improved diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Researchers noted that while genetics plays an important role in anxiety, environmental influences such as trauma, stress and lifestyle also contribute significantly to disease risk. They emphasized that the findings should be viewed as a step toward understanding the biological basis of anxiety rather than a standalone predictor of mental illness.

Healthcare experts have welcomed the study, stating that it represents a major advancement in psychiatric genetics and could pave the way for more effective, personalized therapies. The discovery of new genetic pathways is expected to strengthen future research into anxiety disorders and contribute to the development of next generation mental health treatments.