Is there a link between polygenic risk scores and major depression with anxiety?
Polygenic risk scores (PRS) are a way to measure how many genetic variants a person has that are linked to a certain condition. Research shows that the genetic risk for major depression is closely tied to anxiety. In fact, PRS for depression often predict anxiety symptoms and vice versa. This is especially true for people who have both depression and anxiety together, suggesting that these conditions share a common genetic basis.
What the research says
A large study using data from the UK Biobank and a Norwegian cohort found that polygenic risk scores for major depression (MD) were more strongly associated with cases of combined anxiety and depression (comorbid ANX-MD) than with depression alone 5. The same pattern held for anxiety PRS: they were more strongly linked to comorbid cases than to anxiety alone 5. This suggests that the genetic factors contributing to depression and anxiety overlap substantially, and that including people with both conditions in genetic studies can inflate the apparent genetic risk for each disorder individually 5.
Another study examined how polygenic risk for major depression relates to the brain's opioid system, which is involved in mood and stress response. It found that higher depression PRS was associated with changes in opioid receptor availability and stress-induced opioid release, particularly in women 8. This points to a biological pathway through which genetic risk for depression might influence brain function and contribute to anxiety symptoms 8.
While these findings highlight a clear genetic link, it is important to note that polygenic risk scores are not deterministic. They reflect statistical probabilities, not a guarantee of developing either condition. Many other factors, including environment and lifestyle, also play a role 34.
What to ask your doctor
- Could my personal or family history of depression and anxiety be related to shared genetic factors?
- Are there any genetic tests or risk scores that might help understand my risk for depression or anxiety?
- How do lifestyle factors like sleep, diet, and stress interact with genetic risk for depression and anxiety?
- What treatments are available that address both depression and anxiety symptoms together?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about this topic and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.