Watch this short video featuring Living with Anxiety (LwA) study Lead Investigator, Coordinator, Mental Health Research Program and Group Leader (Psychiatric Genetics), QIMR Berghofer, Brisbane, reflecting on the LwA study and its role in investigating various anxiety disorders and patient response to treatment.
Link: vimeo.com/1064941113/982cd81da4?share=copy
The Living with Anxiety (LwA) study is a large-scale research initiative designed to explore the complex interplay between genetics and environmental influences on anxiety.
“My research colleagues and I are seeking to understand how these factors come together to shape an individual’s experience of anxiety, and their journey through treatment,” said Prof Medland.
“In the Living with Anxiety (LwA) study, we’re seeking to recruit around 5,000 Australian adults aged 18+ years, who have been diagnosed with, or treated for an anxiety disorder.
“We’re specifically looking for people who have had a diagnosis of anxiety disorder,” Prof Medland said.
Prof Medland explained one of the key focus areas of the LwA study is the genetic basis of anxiety, noting anxiety disorders are influenced by thousands of genetic variants, each of which contributes a small effect.
“Given anxiety is not determined by a single gene or factor, this makes it essential to gather as much genetic information as possible, to better understand its underlying biology,” said Prof Medland.
Another promising aspect of the study is the potential to advance pharmacogenomic testing – a method used to identify genetic variations that influence how a person metabolises medications. By understanding these genetic differences, the LwA researchers hope to improve treatments, and ultimately, to save lives.
“For Australians living with anxiety, this study offers an opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could benefit future generations. By participating, you will be helping us to identify what treatments work for specific genes, and to unravel genetic and environmental factors contributing to anxiety,” Prof Medland said.
“If you have been diagnosed with, or treated for an anxiety disorder, please consider volunteering for the LwA study to help us identify the genes influencing a person’s risk of developing anxiety, and how well treatments work.”
To volunteer, or learn more, head to: livingwithanxiety.org.au or email lwa@qimrb.edu.au.
