Unravelling the genetic code of anxiety disorders
AUS researchers seeking 5,000 adults diagnosed with anxiety
for groundbreaking ‘Living with Anxiety’ genetics study
Today, March 18, 2025, QIMR Berghofer in partnership with the Sydney Brain and Mind Centre has launched the Living with Anxiety (LwA) study, which aims to identify the genes that influence a person’s risk of developing anxiety, and their response to treatment, with the overarching goal of improving diagnosis, management and treatment.
Anxiety disorders affect 3.4 million Australians, and represent the nation’s most common mental health condition.
Head, Psychiatric Genetics Group, QIMR Berghofer, Professor Sarah Medland OAM, is Lead Investigator for the LwA study. She is supported by the following eminent Co-Investigators:
- Professor Nick Martin, Head, Genetic Epidemiology Research Group, QIMR Berghofer;
- Professor Ian Hickie AO, Co-Director of Health and Policy, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney; and
- Professor Elizabeth Scott, Principal Research Fellow and Academic Lead, Brain & Mind Centre, The University of Sydney.
The LwA study is aiming to recruit 5,000 adults (aged 18+ years) living in Australia, who have been diagnosed with, or treated for an anxiety disorder.
The LwA researchers will analyse DNA from saliva samples to identify genetic variants linked to anxiety disorders.
By comparing the genetic profiles of individuals living with an anxiety disorder, to those without an anxiety disorder, the study hopes to uncover key genetic markers contributing to the development and treatment of such.
The insights gained from the LwA study will pave the way towards new, more effective, and personalised treatments that directly target the biological predispositions of anxiety.
The LwA study is set to revolutionise the future of anxiety research, treatment, and prevention by:
- Identifying genetic risk factors for anxiety disorders;
- Understanding why some people develop anxiety while others do not; and
- Determining why some treatments work for certain individuals but not for others.
How to participate
Participating in the LwA study offers Australian adults a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of anxiety diagnosis, management, and treatment.
If you, or a loved one, are aged 18+ years, and have been diagnosed with, or treated for an anxiety disorder, please volunteer.
As a LwA volunteer, you will be asked to:
- Provide online consent to participate in the study;
- Complete a 30 minute core online survey about your experiences of anxiety and treatment;
- Optional: Complete a number of short, additional survey modules about your relationships, family background, health, and medical history;
- If eligible to participate in the study (after completing the core survey), you will be sent a saliva collection kit together with a pre-paid return envelope, to provide a saliva sample.
The LwA study researchers will then extract DNA from your saliva sample to identify specific genes associated with anxiety disorders.
All participant information will be strictly confidential and stored securely in accordance with the Commonwealth Privacy Act (1988) and NHMRC ethical guidelines.
To volunteer for, or learn more about the LwA study:
head to: livingwithanxiety.org.au OR
email: lwa@qimrb.edu.au.
Should you suspect that you, or a loved one, may be living with anxiety, speak to your local healthcare practitioner without delay.
Australian professional patient support services offering 24/7 helpline services include:
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- MensLine: 1300 78 9978
- MindSpot Clinic: 1800 61 4434
- SANE Australia: 1800 18 7263
- Headspace on 1800 650 890.
