I’ve lived with anxiety disorders for as long as I can remember. My sister has struggled with them too. Looking at our family history, things start to feel interconnected. My mother has dementia, her brother had it too, and their mother (my grandmother) also lived with the condition. If you search online, only rare forms of dementia are hereditary. Yet, doctors have encouraged my siblings and me to have checks because of how common they are in our family.
Now, looking back at my mother’s behavior, I wonder if she might have had undiagnosed anxiety issues alongside her other struggles. It’s just a thought, not a diagnosis, but it makes me question how much of what we deal with is passed down in families, or at least influenced by genetics. The fact not all forms of dementia are hereditary, yet being encouraged to have tests, left me in limbo about what we read and what we’re told.
That’s why I’m exploring whether anxiety disorders are hereditary. It’s a question that hits close to home for me, like many people. If you’ve ever wondered about this question, keep reading.
Important: To ensure facts are accurate, this article has been reviewed by a medical practitioner.
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What does science say about the genetics of anxiety?
“Anxiety disorders arise from a blend of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. While we know that genetics plays a significant role, it’s not the sole determinant of whether someone will develop anxiety. The environment a person grows up in, their experiences, and how they cope with life’s stressors are just as critical in shaping mental health. Understanding this interaction can help individuals and families manage anxiety more effectively and seek early intervention.” – Dr. M. Ahmed, University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust
When I think about my family’s history of dementia, the question of genetics feels hard to ignore. Could environmental or lifestyle factors have influenced their diagnoses? Sure. But when three out of five people in one family suffer from the same or similar conditions, it’s hard not to wonder if genetics isn’t a factor.
Now, I know this article is about anxiety disorders, not dementia. But the same question of inheritance applies. Research shows that anxiety has a genetic component. Twin studies have revealed heritability rates of 30-50%, meaning genetics could explain up to half of the likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder.
“Family and twin studies indicate that both genetic and environmental factors are of relevance in the etiology of anxiety disorders, with levels of familial aggregation and heritability at 30% to 50%.” – JAMA Psychiatry
Of course, genetics isn’t destiny. A heritability rate of 30-50% doesn’t mean that someone with anxious parents is guaranteed to experience the same thing. It just means that genes play a role in shaping the risk, much like they might with dementia. The other half of the equation comes from things like upbringing, experiences, and the environment we live in.
Still, knowing there’s a measurable genetic link gives me pause. It’s a reminder that while we can’t control the genes we inherit, understanding the role they play might help us manage or even monitor their impact.
Related: Is Anxiety Disorder a Disability? Breaking Down the Facts and Misconceptions
Key findings from genetic research
For a long time, I couldn’t wrap my head around how genetics could influence something like anxiety. On the surface, it always felt to me like a reaction to life’s challenges than something tied to our DNA. But when I read what medical experts have uncovered, it starts to make more sense.
A Yale-led study, for instance, identified over 100 genes associated with anxiety. Dr. Renato Polimanti, a psychiatrist involved in the study, explained, “This effort highlights the power of large-scale genetic studies to dissect the complex pathogenesis of anxiety, demonstrating how multiple genes acting on different brain functions contribute to defining individual genetic risk.” Based on this, it’s not just one gene or one factor, but many, all interacting in ways science is beginning to understand.
In family studies, it has also been shown that kids are more likely to have Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) if their parents have it, with odds between 2.1 and 2.6. This shows anxiety often runs in families. According to research from the University of Queensland, “Genetics account for around 40 percent of a person’s risk of suffering anxiety and depression, with environmental factors accounting for the rest.”
None of this is simple, but it does mean several experts say that it’s a mix of inherited genetics and the environment you grow up affecting your chances of having anxiety.
Studies like these help explain why genetics can influence anxiety and why it’s a disability (read more about anxiety as a disability). It’s particularly relevant to me when I think back to the stories my mother used to tell me about my grandmother. She had early-onset dementia and passed away when I was very young, so I don’t have any memories of her. But I do remember my mother talking about the burden of it all. She was determined never to become a burden on her own children, me, and my siblings. She’d say it often enough that it stuck with me.
Now, seeing her in a care home, unable to move or communicate, is heartbreaking. I can’t help but wonder if she felt the same way about her mother. This is why understanding the genetic link to anxiety matters so much. It’s easy for someone on the outside to blame a person with an anxiety disorder, to think they just need to “push harder” or “try more.” But if genetics plays a role, and studies show it does, even if only partially, it’s not about willpower. It’s part of who they are.
Related: The Best and Worst Things to Say to Someone with an Anxiety Disorder
Childhood anxiety and early detection
While researching this topic, one of the most interesting aspects was how childhood anxiety connects to both genetics and environment. Studies show there’s a genetic overlap between childhood and adult mental health disorders. Professor Christel Middeldorp explains, “These findings are important because they help identify people most at risk of symptoms continuing across the lifespan, so intense treatment can be provided where needed.” This means early diagnosis and intervention are critical, and probably why me and my siblings were pushed for checks (not for us, but perhaps for our teenage kids).
At the same time, research shows the environment plays a big role too. A children-of-twins study found that the link between parent and adolescent anxiety wasn’t just about shared genetics but also exposure to an anxious environment. One study noted, “If one of these conditions shows up in someone before the age of 20, their family members are more likely to, as well. In most cases, the younger the person is when they get anxiety or depression, the more likely it is to be hereditary.”
This highlights the complex relationship between nature and nurture. Genetics creates a foundation, but how a person is raised, their experiences, and the behaviors they’re exposed to can change the risk of anxiety following them into adulthood.
Knowing that anxiety disorders come from a combination of genetics and environment is reaffirming, it shows that it’s not anyone’s fault. This understanding should encourage anyone curious about their family history or personal experiences to seek support and guidance from a medical expert. With the right care and resources, it’s possible to manage anxiety and improve quality of life.
