Genetic studies of panic disorder: A review

Background: A review of the studies examining the genetic etiology of panic disorder shows the familial nature of the disorder and demonstrates that t he etiology is greatly influenced by genetic factors. Strong evidence for v ertical transmission in family studies led to molecular genetic studies, of which association designs appear promising, particularly when based on tra it markers. Data Sources: The MEDLINE and PsycLIT databases were searched for all repor ts published between 1966 and 2000 containing the keywords panic, genetic, twin, adoption, linkage, association, and QTL. Conclusion: We conclude that the multifactorial nature of panic disorder re quires a multidisciplinary approach to gain insight into the determinants o f the phenotype and the interaction of environmental and genetic factors.