Attachment style and oxytocin receptor gene variation interact in influencing social anxiety

Cumulative Genetic Scores Interact with Maternal and Paternal Parenting in Predicting Parent-Adolescent Cohesion and Conflict

Previous research concerning the interplay between genetics and parenting in the development of the parent-child relationship during adolescence has been extremely scarce, predominantly adopting single-gene designs. This limited body of work has largely overlooked the distinct effects of maternal and paternal roles, as well as potential gender differences. Additionally, existing gene-by-environment (G × E) studies have mainly concentrated on adverse environmental factors and associated negative outcomes, somewhat neglecting positive environments and outcomes. The present study examined the interactions of cumulative genetic scores (CGS, dopamine receptor D2 TaqIA and oxytocin receptor gene rs53576 polymorphisms) with both positive and negative parenting on parent-adolescent cohesion and conflict. Furthermore, this study aimed to ascertain with which gene-environment model the potential G × E interactions would align. A total of 745 Chinese Han adolescents (Mage = 13.36 ± 0.96 years; 46.8% girls) from grades 7 to 9 participated in this study. Results revealed a significant effect of CGS and negative maternal parenting on mother-adolescent conflict among males, consistent with the weak differential susceptibility model. As CGS increased, the effects of negative maternal parenting on mother-son conflict were magnified. These findings have implications for the timing and focus of interventions aimed at improving parent-adolescent relationships.

Genetic Variations in Elements of the Oxytocinergic Pathway are Associated with Attention/Hyperactivity Problems and Anxiety Problems in Childhood

Genetic alterations related to oxytocin system seem to influence the neurobiology of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and anxiety problems leading to greater functional, social and emotional impairment. Here, we analyzed the association of OXTR rs2254298 and CD38 rs6449182 variants with attention/hyperactivity problems and anxiety problems in children. The study enrolled 292 children and adjusted regression model revealed OXTR rs2254298 AA genotype as a risk factor for attention deficit/hyperactivity problems (PR: 2.37; PadjFDR = 0.006), attention problems (PR: 2.71; PadjFDR = 0.003) and anxiety problems (PR: 1.92; PadjFDR = 0.018). CD38 rs6449182 G allele showed as a risk factor for attention deficit/hyperactivity problems (PR: 1.56; PadjFDR = 0.028). Moreover, in silico approach for regulatory roles found markers that influence chromatin accessibility and transcription capacity. Together, these data provide genetic information of oxytocin in developmental and behavioral disorders opening a range of opportunities for future studies that clarify their neurobiology in childhood.

The Multifaceted Role of Oxytocinergic System and OXTR Gene

The article explores the multifaceted role of the neuropeptide oxytocin in human behavior and its connection to the oxytocin receptor ( OXTR ) gene. Oxytocin, produced in specific brain nuclei, is implicated in emotional, social, and maternal behaviors, stress reduction, uterine contraction during childbirth, and lactation. The OXTR gene, located on chromosome 3, encodes oxytocin receptors found in various body parts, including critical brain regions associated with social behaviors. The article delves into studies on rodents, revealing correlations between OXTR gene expression and pair bonding in the prefrontal cortex and social behavior regulation in the amygdala. The discussion extends to the impact of oxytocin on social support-seeking behavior, focusing on a specific genetic variation, rs53576. The article explores how this genetic variation influences empathy, stress reactivity, and susceptibility to disorders such as autism and social anxiety. Furthermore, the article examines structural and functional changes in the brain associated with OXTR gene variations. It discusses the role of DNA methylation in influencing oxytocin receptor availability, affecting social perception and responsiveness to negative stimuli. The article also highlights the oxytocinergic system's involvement in disorders such as autism and social anxiety, emphasizing the interplay between genetics and environmental factors. The article also touches on the potential therapeutic use of exogenous oxytocin in mitigating symptoms associated with these disorders. In summary, the article underscores the intricate relationship between oxytocin, the OXTR gene, and diverse aspects of human behavior, providing insights into social bonding, perception, and the development of behavioral disorders.

Bağlanma Stilleri ve Sosyal Fobi Arasındaki İlişkide Kişilerarası İlişkiler ve Benliğin Ayrımlaşmasının Aracı Rolü

Bu çalışmanın amacı sosyal fobi, bağlanma stilleri, kişilerarası ilişkiler ve benliğin ayrımlaşması arasındaki ilişkilerin incelenmesi ve bağlanma stilleri ile sosyal fobi arasındaki ilişkide kişilerarası ilişkiler ve benliğin ayrımlaşmasının aracı rolünün belirlenmesidir. İstanbul ilinde yapılan araştırmaya, 18-70 yaş aralığında (30.60±11.66) olan 197 (%62.7) kadın ve 117 (%37.3) erkek olmak üzere toplam 314 kişi dahil edilmiştir. Veri toplama aracı olarak Liebowitz Sosyal Fobi Ölçeği, Kişilerarası İlişki Boyutları Ölçeği, İlişki Ölçekleri Anketi ve Benliğin Ayrımlaşması Ölçeği kullanılmıştır. Paralel aracılık rolleri Hayes’in PROCESS makro eklentisiyle Bootstrap yöntemi temel alınarak test edilmiştir Korelasyon analizi sonuçlarına göre değişkenler arasında zayıf ve orta düzeyde anlamlı ilişkiler bulunmuştur. Aracılık analizi bulguları ise güvenli bağlanma ve sosyal fobi-kaygı arasındaki ilişkide onay bağımlılığı, başkalarına güven ve duygusal tepkiselliğin paralel aracılık etkisinin olduğu; güvenli bağlanma ve sosyal fobi-kaçınma arasındaki ilişkide onay bağımlılığı ve başkalarına güvenin paralel aracılık etkisi olduğu; kayıtsız bağlanma ve sosyal fobi-kaygı ve kaçınma arasındaki ilişkide başkalarına güven ve duygusal tepkiselliğin paralel aracılık etkisi olduğu; korkulu bağlanma ve sosyal fobi-kaygı ve kaçınma arasındaki ilişkide onay bağımlılığı ve başkalarına güvenin paralel aracılık etkisinin olduğu; saplantılı bağlanma ve sosyal fobi-kaygı arasındaki ilişkide onay bağımlılığı, başkalarına güven ve duygusal tepkiselliğin paralel aracılık etkisi, saplantılı bağlanma ve sosyal fobi-kaçınma arasındaki ilişkide ise onay bağımlılığı ve başkalarına güvenin paralel aracılık etkisinin olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Toplam 8 anlamlı modelin, varyansın %4 ila %19’unu açıkladığı görülmüştür. Çalışmanın bulgularının bağlanma ve sosyal fobi arasındaki ilişkiye aracılık eden değişkenlerin belirlenmesi ve bu değişkenlere yönelik klinik müdahalelerin geliştirilmesi konularında çıkarımlar yapılmasına katkı sağlayabileceği söylenebilir.

Sex matters: The impact of oxytocin on healthy conditions and psychiatric disorders

Oxytocin (OT) is involved in the regulation of physiological processes and emotional states, with increasing evidence for its beneficial actions being mediated by the autonomic and immune systems. Growing evidence suggests that OT plays a role in the pathophysiology of different psychiatric disorders. Given the limited information in humans the aim of this study was to retrospectively explore plasma OT levels in psychiatric patients, particularly focusing on sex-related differences, as compared with healthy controls. The patients studied here were divided into three groups diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or major depressive disorder (MDD). Plasma OT levels were significantly different between healthy men and women, with the latter showing higher values, while none of the three psychiatric groups showed sex-related differences in the parameters measured here. The intergroup analyses showed that the OT levels were significantly higher in OCD, lower in PTSD and even more reduced in MDD patients than in healthy subjects. These differences were also confirmed when gender was considered, with the exception of PTSD men, in whom OT levels were similar to those of healthy men. The present results indicated that OT levels were higher amongst healthy women than men, while a sex difference was less apparent or reversed in psychiatric patients. Reductions in sex differences in psychopathologies may be related to differential vulnerabilities in processes associated with basic adaptive and social functions.

Social anxiety mediates the effect of attachment to parents on friendships and loneliness during the college transition

The main goal of this study was to investigate direct and indirect effects of attachment to parents on the formation of friendships, satisfaction with friends, and loneliness over the transition to college. Social anxiety and gender were tested as a possible mediator and moderator respectively. A total of 210 college freshmen at a large university in Spain participated in at a baseline assessment and a six-month follow-up assessment. Results demonstrated indirect effects of attachment to parents on ease forming friendships, satisfaction with friends, and loneliness through social anxiety, and a direct effect of attachment to loneliness. Gender did not play a moderating role. Taken together, these results suggest that programs to support the development of healthy social relationships across the college transition may be particularly beneficial for youth with challenges in familial relationships, and that screening for social anxiety may identify those students who would particularly benefit from support.

Oxytocin: An Old Hormone, A Novel Psychotropic Drug And Possible Use In Treating Psychiatric Disorders

BACKGROUND

Oxytocin is a nonapeptide synthesized in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus. Historically, this molecule has been involved as a key factor in the formation of infant attachment, maternal behavior and pair bonding and, more generally, in linking social signals with cognition, behaviors and reward. In the last decades, the whole oxytocin system has gained a growing interest as it was proposed to be implicated in etiopathogenesis of several neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.

METHODS

With the main goal of an in-depth understanding of the oxytocin role in the regulation of different functions and complex behaviors as well as its intriguing implications in different neuropsychiatric disorders, we performed a critical review of the current state of art. We carried out this work through PubMed database up to June 2021 with the search terms: 1) "oxytocin and neuropsychiatric disorders"; 2) "oxytocin and neurodevelopmental disorders"; 3) "oxytocin and anorexia"; 4) "oxytocin and eating disorders"; 5) "oxytocin and obsessive-compulsive disorder"; 6) "oxytocin and schizophrenia"; 7) "oxytocin and depression"; 8) "oxytocin and bipolar disorder"; 9) "oxytocin and psychosis"; 10) "oxytocin and anxiety"; 11) "oxytocin and personality disorder"; 12) "oxytocin and PTSD".

RESULTS

Biological, genetic, and epigenetic studies highlighted quality and quantity modifications in the expression of oxytocin peptide or in oxytocin receptor isoforms. These alterations would seem to be correlated with a higher risk of presenting several neuropsychiatric disorders belonging to different psychopathological spectra. Collaterally, the exogenous oxytocin administration has shown to ameliorate many neuropsychiatric clinical conditions.

CONCLUSION

Finally, we briefly analyzed the potential pharmacological use of oxytocin in patient with severe symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and immunoregulatory properties.

Romantic relationship quality and functioning for individuals with clinical and sub-clinical social anxiety: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is associated with pervasive functional impairments and chronicity. Romantic relationship functioning and quality for individuals with SAD has been previously explored but existing studies have not been synthesised.

AIMS

This scoping review charted existing literature regarding the quality and functioning of romantic relationships for people with SAD and high sub-clinical social anxiety (SA).

METHODS

The review used a scoping approach to explore the current evidence base relating to SA, romantic relationship quality and functioning. Articles published in English after 1980 that reported either clinical or high sub-clinical SA were eligible. Double screening, data extraction, quality assessment, and thematic analysis of studies was conducted.

RESULTS

50 studies from 46 articles were identified, involving a range of community, college, adolescent, and clinical samples. Thematic analysis identified four themes; Relationship Quality, Satisfaction and Commitment; Communication and Self-Disclosure; Conflict, Social Support and Trust; Intimacy, Closeness and Sexual Satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

The review highlights that evidence relating to romantic relationship functioning for individuals with SAD and high sub-clinical SA is heterogeneous, with relationship initiation in particular relatively under-explored. Further research is required to elucidate key constructs and interpersonal processes related to relationship functioning, and to inform treatment approaches with this group.

Genetics of social anxiety disorder: a systematic review

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a common psychiatric disorder, often associated with avoidant temperament. Research studies have implicated a strong genetic architecture of SAD. We have conducted a systematic review on the genetics of SAD and yielded 66 articles. In general, prior research studies have focused on the serotonin transporter, oxytocin receptor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and catechol-O-methyltransferase genes. Mixed and inconsistent results have been reported. Additional approaches and phenotypes have also been investigated, including pharmacogenetics of treatment response, imaging genetics and gene-environment interactions. Future directions warrant further international collaborative efforts, deep-phenotyping of clinical characteristics including consistent and reliable measurement-based symptom severity, and larger sample sizes to ensure sufficient power for stratification due to the heterogeneity of this chronic and often debilitating condition.

Emotional competence, attachment, and parenting styles in children and parents

The goal of this study was to examine whether a subject’s emotional competence correlates to attachment styles and parenting styles in children and their parents. The study was conducted with fifty children (9–11 years old) and their parents, both of whose emotional competence (EKF) and parenting style (PAQ) were measured. The attachment styles of parents and children were measured with the Adult Attachment Scale (AAS) and the Bochumer Bindungstest (BoBiTe), respectively. The findings provide initial support to the assumption that attachment is related to emotional competence in parents. This relationship, however, was not significantly correlated in children. In addition, authoritative parenting and permissive parenting were significantly associated with emotional competence in parents. Emotional competence in children showed to be associated with an authoritative parenting style.

Individual differences in social attachment: A multi-disciplinary perspective

Social behavior varies across both individuals and species. Research to explain this variation falls under the purview of multiple disciplines, each with its own theoretical and empirical traditions. Integration of these disciplinary traditions is key to developing a holistic perspective. Here, we review research on the biology of social attachment, a phenomena in which individuals develop strong affective connections to one another. We provide a historical overview of research on social attachment from psychological, ethological and neurobiological perspectives. As a case study, we describe work on pair-bonding in prairie voles, a socially monogamous rodent. This specific topic takes advantage of many biological perspectives and techniques to explain social bonds. Lastly, we conclude with an overview of multi-dimensional conceptual frameworks that can be used to explain social phenomena, and we propose a new framework for research on individual variation in attachment behavior. These conceptual frameworks originate from philosophy, physics, ethology, cognitive science and neuroscience. The application and synthesis of such frameworks offers a rich opportunity to advance understanding of social behavior and its mechanisms.

Intranasal oxytocin reduces attentional bias to food stimuli

Attentional biases to food-related stimuli have been demonstrated in response to hunger as well as during restrained eating. Such biases are often associated with obesity, but healthy-weight individuals who do not self-report hunger have also demonstrated attentional biases to stimuli signalling food using laboratory-based cognitive tasks. Levels of the anorectic neuropeptide oxytocin are elevated by food intake and, when administered intranasally, oxytocin inhibits food intake in the laboratory. To investigate whether oxytocin can affect appetite via an action on attentional processes, 40 adults (29 women; mean age 24.0 years old) self-administered 24 IU of oxytocin or placebo intranasally. Forty minutes after administration, participants ate a small snack to maintain alertness and ameliorate deprivation-induced hunger before starting a computerized dot-probe attentional bias task that presented 180 trials of paired visual stimuli comprising neutral, food, social and/or romantic images (500 ms presentation time). Reaction times to probe stimuli that appeared after the offset of the visual images indicated a significant attentional bias to food pictures after placebo; this effect was significantly attenuated by oxytocin, p < .001. The effect of oxytocin on attentional bias to the food pictures was not altered by the type of stimulus paired with the food image, and was independent of BMI, age, sex, self-rated eating behaviour, and self-reported parental bonding; however, the effect was modulated by self-reported food cravings and trait stress. The findings support and extend previous work which has suggested that oxytocin can counteract attentional biases to food-related stimuli in a sample with anorexia by demonstrating the same effect for the first time in a cohort who do not have an eating disorder.

Physiological Factors Linking Insecure Attachment to Psychopathology: A Systematic Review

Although many studies have documented associations between insecure attachment and psychopathology, attachment may not confer risk for psychopathology independently, but rather through its interaction with emotional, social, and biological factors. Understanding the variables through which attachment may lead to psychopathology is therefore important. Within this domain of research, the role of physiological factors is poorly investigated. What are the relevant domains and why, when, or for whom do they influence mental disorders relating to attachment? The current systematic review aims to answer these questions. Results reveal that physiological indices of emotional regulation play a role in explaining and/or determining the relationship between attachment and psychopathology. Specifically: (1) combined with insecure attachment, higher skin conductance level (SCL), lower cardiac slowing, and respiratory sinus arrhythmia modulation (RSA) contribute to different psychopathological indicators and behavioral/psychological dysfunctions, although the latter predicts a contradictory pattern of findings; (2) insecure-avoidant attachment is more consistently linked with stress and emotional dysregulation when combined with RSA, while anxious attachment confers risk of depressive symptoms when combined with SCL. We concluded our discussion of the results of seven studies by outlining a plan to move the field forward. We discuss the quality of the assessment, methodological limitations, and future directions, highlighting the need to extend the research to clinical samples.

Analysis of features of social anxiety and exploring the relationship between childhood major adverse experiences and social anxiety in early adulthood among Chinese college students

INTRODUCTION

Prior studies have explored the prevalence of social anxiety disorders and found that childhood major adverse experiences increased the risk of social anxiety. However, few studies analyzed features of social anxiety and explored the mediation mechanism of the relationship between childhood major adverse experiences and social anxiety in early adulthood.

METHODS

Two thousand seven hundred and fifty-nine college students from Hunan, China participated in the survey-based study. They completed questionnaires on major adverse childhood experiences, social anxiety symptoms, and a sense of security during a study conducted from 2017 to 2018.

RESULTS

1) 33.38% of the students reported experiencing at least one social anxiety symptom; the highest detection rate (20.22%) was social anxiety symptoms related to participants' nervousness when in large groups. 2) Females and individuals who consumed alcohol in the past year and individuals with a poor physical condition had a significantly higher risk of having social anxiety symptoms (p<0.05). 3) Childhood major adverse events experience increased the risk of some social anxiety symptoms, especially experiencing 3 or more adverse events (p<0.05). 4) A sense of security mediated the relationship between childhood major adverse events experience and social anxiety symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Extensive detection rate of social anxiety symptoms existed among college students, early adversities increased the risk of social anxiety in early adulthood, and the relationship between childhood major adversity and social anxiety was affected by sense of security.

Review of eating disorders and oxytocin receptor polymorphisms

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Oxytocin, a nine amino acid peptide synthesised in the hypothalamus, has been widely recognised for its role in anxiolysis, bonding, sociality, and appetite. It binds to the oxytocin receptor (OXTR)-a G-protein coupled receptor-that is stimulated by the actions of oestrogen both peripherally and centrally. Studies have implicated OXTR genotypes in conferring either a risk or protective effect in autism, schizophrenia, and eating disorders (ED). There are numerous DNA variations of this receptor, with the most common DNA variation being in the form of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Two OXTR SNPs have been most studied in relation to ED: rs53576 and rs2254298. Each SNP has the same allelic variant that produces genotypes AA, AG, and GG. In this critical review we will evaluate the putative role of rs53576 and rs2254298 SNPs in ED. Additionally, this narrative review will consider the role of gene-environment interactions in the development of ED pathology.

FINDINGS

The OXTR SNPs rs53576 and rs2254298 show independent associations between the A allele and restrictive eating behaviours. Conversely, the G allele of the OXTR rs53576 SNP is associated with binging behaviours, findings that were also evident in neuroanatomy. One study found the A allele of both OXTR SNPs to confer risk for more severe ED symptomatology while the G allele conferred some protective effect. An interaction between poor maternal care and rs2254298 AG/AA genotype conferred increased risk for binge eating and purging in women.

CONCLUSIONS

Individual OXTR SNP are unlikely in themselves to explain complex eating disorders but may affect the expression of and/or effectiveness of the OXTR. A growing body of G x E work is indicating that rs53576G homozygosity becomes disadvantageous for later mental health under early adverse conditions but further research to extend these findings to eating pathology is needed. The GWAS approach would benefit this area of knowledge.

Natural variation in the oxytocin receptor gene and rearing interact to influence reproductive and nonreproductive social behavior and receptor binding

Individual variation in social behavior offers an opportunity to explore gene-by-environment interactions that could contribute to adaptative or atypical behavioral profiles (e.g., autism spectrum disorders). Outbred, socially monogamous prairie voles provide an excellent model to experimentally explore how natural variations in rearing and genetic diversity interact to shape reproductive and nonreproductive social behavior. In this study, we manipulated rearing (biparental versus dam-only), genotyped the intronic NT213739 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the oxytocin receptor gene (Oxtr), and then assessed how each factor and their interaction related to reciprocal interactions and partner preference in male and female adult prairie voles. We found that C/T subjects reared biparentally formed more robust partner preferences than T/T subjects. In general, dam-only reared animals huddled less with a conspecific in reproductive and nonreproductive contexts, but the effect of rearing was more pronounced in T/T animals. In line with previous literature, C/T animals exhibited higher densities of oxytocin receptor (OXTR) in the striatum (caudoputamen, nucleus accumbens) compared to T/T subjects. There was also a gene-by-rearing interaction in the striatum and insula of females: In the insula, T/T females expressed varying OXTR densities depending on rearing. Overall, this study demonstrates that significant differences in adult reproductive and nonreproductive social behavior and OXTR density can arise due to natural differences in Oxtr, experimental manipulations of rearing, and their interaction.

Mediating Effect of Emotional and Social Competences on Interrelations Between Gender, Age and the Broad Autism Phenotype

The study aimed to identify the mediating role of emotional intelligence and social competences in the relationship between gender and broad autism phenotype (BAP) as well as between age and BAP. It comprised 85 parents of children with ASD. They completed the questionnaires of Autism-Spectrum Quotient, social competences, and emotional intelligence. The results revealed that emotional intelligence in general and its two dimensions: the ability to accept and express emotions and to empathize are important mediators of the relationship between gender and BAP. Also, social competences in general and two of their dimensions: the effectiveness of behavior in intimate situations and in social situations were significant mediators. The relationship between age and BAP could not be confirmed.

The OXTR polymorphisms are not associated with attachment dimensions: A three-approach study

Inspired by the roles of oxytocin in social behaviors, scientists have devoted considerable efforts to examine the association between the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) and human attachment, a personality of seek and receiving comfort from intimate figures. However, there are still a lot of controversies on the association. To clarify the relationship, this research integrated three studies: (1) A cross-sectional study indicated that the OXTR polymorphisms (i.e., rs53576 and rs2254298) were not significantly associated with attachment dimensions in a college student sample (N = 1193); (2) A three-wave study showed that the polymorphisms were not associated with the individual differences and changes of attachment dimensions in a freshmen sample (N = 657); and (3) Meta-analysis indicated that attachment dimensions were not associated with the polymorphisms of rs53576 (Anxiety: 14 samples, N = 5053; Avoidance: ten samples, N = 4273) and rs2254298 (Anxiety: ten samples, N = 3670; Avoidance: ten samples, N = 3698). Taken together, these findings provide strong evidence that the OXTR polymorphisms are not related to attachment dimensions.

Genetic risk-factors for anxiety in healthy individuals: polymorphisms in genes important for the HPA axis

BACKGROUND

Two important aspects for the development of anxiety disorders are genetic predisposition and alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In order to identify genetic risk-factors for anxiety, the aim of this exploratory study was to investigate possible relationships between genetic polymorphisms in genes important for the regulation and activity of the HPA axis and self-assessed anxiety in healthy individuals.

METHODS

DNA from 72 healthy participants, 37 women and 35 men, were included in the analyses. Their DNA was extracted and analysed for the following Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP)s: rs41423247 in the NR3C1 gene, rs1360780 in the FKBP5 gene, rs53576 in the OXTR gene, 5-HTTLPR in SLC6A4 gene and rs6295 in the HTR1A gene. Self-assessed anxiety was measured by the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire.

RESULTS

Self-assessed measure of both STAI-S and STAI-T were significantly higher in female than in male participants (p = 0.030 and p = 0.036, respectively). For SNP rs41423247 in the NR3C1 gene, there was a significant difference in females in the score for STAI-S, where carriers of the G allele had higher scores compared to the females that were homozygous for the C allele (p < 0.01). For the SNP rs53576 in the OXTR gene, there was a significant difference in males, where carriers of the A allele had higher scores in STAI-T compared to the males that were homozygous for the G allele (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that SNP rs41423247 in the NR3C1 gene and SNP rs53576 in the OXTR gene are associated with self-assessed anxiety in healthy individuals in a gender-specific manner. This suggests that these SNP candidates are possible genetic risk-factors for anxiety.

Parenting Interacts with Oxytocin Polymorphisms to Predict Adolescent Social Anxiety Symptom Development: A Novel Polygenic Approach

Guided by a developmental psychopathology framework, research has increasingly focused on the interplay of genetics and environment as a predictor of different forms of psychopathology, including social anxiety. In these efforts, the polygenic nature of complex phenotypes such as social anxiety is increasingly recognized, but studies applying polygenic approaches are still scarce. In this study, we applied Principal Covariates Regression as a novel approach to creating polygenic components for the oxytocin system, which has recently been put forward as particularly relevant to social anxiety. Participants were 978 adolescents (49.4% girls; M_age T₁ = 13.8 years). Across 3 years, questionnaires were used to assess adolescent social anxiety symptoms and multi-informant reports of parental psychological control and autonomy support. All adolescents were genotyped for 223 oxytocin single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 14 genes. Using Principal Covariates Regression, these SNPs could be reduced to five polygenic components. Four components reflected the underlying linkage disequilibrium and ancestry structure, whereas the fifth component, which consisted of small contributions of many SNPs across multiple genes, was strongly positively associated with adolescent social anxiety symptoms, pointing to an index of genetic risk. Moreover, significant interactions were found with this polygenic component and the environmental variables of interest. Specifically, adolescents who scored high on this polygenic component and experienced less adequate parenting (i.e., high psychological control or low autonomy support) showed the highest levels of social anxiety. Implications of these findings are discussed in the context of individual-by-environment models.

Childhood emotional neglect and oxytocin receptor variants: Association with limbic brain volumes

Objectives: Childhood emotional neglect (EN) is a predictor for the development of affective disorders. Oxytocin (OXT) may mediate the interplay between EN and changes in stress biological systems, brain development, and mental health outcomes. We investigated, in a cross-sectional study, the associations between EN, (epi)genetic variation in the OXT receptor (OXTR) gene, and amygdalar and hippocampal volumes, two brain regions implicated in emotional processing.Methods: We recruited 63 Caucasian South African adults (35 women) with and without social anxiety disorder. Childhood EN was assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. rs53576 and rs2254298 genotypes, as well as methylation status, was determined using DNA purified from whole blood. Bilateral amygdalar and hippocampal volumes were determined by structural magnetic resonance imaging. The relationships between these variables were investigated using linear regression.Results: The interaction of the rs2254298 A risk allele and EN was nominally associated with reduced left hippocampal volume. The rs2254298 A risk allele was independently associated with reduced bilateral amygdalar volumes. We found no association between EN, OXTR methylation and amygdalar or hippocampal volumes. The rs53576 GG risk genotype was, however, associated with decreased OXTR methylation.Conclusions: The rs2254298 A allele may increase susceptibility to the structural brain effects of EN.

Genes and environment in attachment

In the last two decades, there has been increasing research interest in disentangling the contribution of genetic and environmental factors to individual differences in attachment, and in identifying the genes involved in shaping attachment. Twin studies suggest that as attachment changes during the course of development, genetic factors may play a progressively more important role, while shared environmental effects might decrease. However, most of this literature is limited by low power, measurement issues, and cross-sectional design. The findings of molecular genetic studies are, overall, inconclusive. The literature on main genetic effects and gene-by-environment interactions on attachment is filled with inconsistent and unreplicated findings. Also, most studies are underpowered. Challenges for future research are to identify the unshared environmental mechanisms involved in shaping attachment, and to better elucidate the genes involved and their interaction with the environment. Some pioneer studies suggested that the incorporation of epigenetic processes into G × E interaction models might represent a promising future way for investigating the complex, dynamic interplay between genes, environment, and attachment.

The Role of the Oxytocin System in Anxiety Disorders

Oxytocin, a neuropeptide synthesized by the hypothalamus, plays a central role in human social behavior, social cognition, anxiety, mood, stress modulation, and fear learning and extinction. The relationships between oxytocin and psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorder have been extensively studied. In this chapter, we focus on the current knowledge about oxytocin and anxiety disorder. We discuss the anxiolytic effects of oxytocin in preclinical and clinical findings, possible related neurobehavioral mechanisms (social cognition, fear learning, and extinction), related neurotransmitter and neuroendocrine systems (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, serotoninergic, and GABAergic systems), and studies regarding plasma levels of oxytocin, genetic and epigenetic findings, and effects of intranasal oxytocin in DSM-5 anxiety disorder (primarily social anxiety disorder and separation anxiety disorder) patients.

Personality functioning in anxiety disorders

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The alternative model for personality disorders in DSM-5 and the upcoming ICD-11 stimulated an increased interest in the concept of personality functioning for the diagnosis of personality disorders. Furthermore, the impact of personality functioning on other mental disorders has become the focus of recent research efforts. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive and critical study of the empirical literature on the relationship between personality functioning and anxiety disorders.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies predominantly show a positive association of anxiety symptoms and disorders with an impairment in personality functioning. However, no evidence was found for different levels of personality functioning according to the type of anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can occur at all levels of personality organization.

SUMMARY

Anxiety disorders are associated with significant impairment in personality functioning. As the underlying personality structure is known to play a crucial role for treatment outcome, the evaluation of personality functioning should be a central part of a comprehensive diagnostic process and treatment planning in patients with anxiety disorders.

Long-term effects of parental divorce on mental health - A meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to estimate the long-term effects of parental divorce on their offspring's mental health as well as substance-based addiction. We performed a systematic literature search on PubMed, Medline, PsyINFO, PsyARTICLES and PsycNET for the time period from 1990 until March 2018 in English language. In total 54 studies were included in the meta-analysis resulting in 117 effect sizes as well as a total sample of 506,299 participants. A significant association between parental divorce and every aspect of mental health was found with the following pooled ORs (95% CIs): Depression 1.29 (1.23-1.35), anxiety 1.12 (1.04-1.12), suicide attempt 1.35 (1.26-1.44), suicidal ideation 1.48 (1.43-1.54), distress 1.48 (1.37-1.6), alcohol 1.43 (1.34-1.53), smoking 1.64 (1.57-1.72) and drugs 1.45 (1.44-1.46) could be estimated. There was significant association between the effect sizes and the publication date specifically for distress (r = -0.995, p = .005). The results of the meta-analysis show a consistent direction of influence regarding the long-term effect of parental divorce on their children. Individuals affected by parental divorce have a higher risk of developing a variety of mental health conditions, although the effect sizes decreased from 1990 to 2017. Further research should focus on developing programmes to promote the resilience of children affected by divorce.

Gene-Environment Interactions in Psychiatry: Recent Evidence and Clinical Implications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We identify the recent evidence for gene-by-environment interaction studies in relation to psychiatric disorders. We focus on the key genotypic data as well as environmental exposures and how they interact to predict psychiatric disorders and psychiatric symptomatology. We direct our focus on the psychiatric outcomes that were focused on by the Psychiatric Genetics Consortium.

RECENT FINDINGS

Many of the studies focus on candidate gene approaches, with most of the studies drawing upon previous literature to decide the genes of interest. Other studies used a genome-wide approach. While some studies demonstrated positive replication of previous findings, replication is still an issue within gene-by-environment interaction studies. Gene-by-environment interaction research in psychiatry globally suggests some susceptibility to environmental exposures based on genotype; however, greater clarity is needed around the idea that genetic risk may not be disorder specific.

Current perspectives on the short- and long-term effects of conventional dairy calf raising systems: a comparison with the natural environment

Although the neonatal and infancy period is short, it is well documented that the early neonatal environment is critical for appropriate physical, behavioral, and cognitive development that lasts into adulthood. Dairy calves are commonly removed from the dam shortly after birth and raised in individual housing and fed limited milk allowances (4 to 6 L/d) in commercial farms around the world (conventional raising). Individual housing was developed to promote health status and facilitate individual animal monitoring. However, it is associated with high labor demand, and early life social isolation is associated with cognitive and behavioral abnormalities. Recently, group housing and enhanced milk-feeding programs are being increasingly adopted by farms; these practices more closely resemble the social and nutritional environments in natural or seminatural environments when the calf is raised with the dam. Conventional raising may lead to short- and long-term effects when compared to calves raised with the dam or peers. Short-term effects of conventional raising include impaired social skills when introduced to novel peers, reduced consumption of novel feeds, increased activity in a novel environment, and signs of hunger associated with limited milk intake and poor growth during the preweaning period. Evidence also suggests that the long-term effects of conventional artificial raising systems include behavioral differences, such as lower social submissiveness, increased heart rate and cortisol when presented with a novel environment, and production differences such as milk yield and reproductive performance. However, research on the long-term effects of maternal, social, physical, and nutritional restrictions in early life is still limited and should be encouraged. More research is needed to determine the long-term effects of artificial raising systems (individual, group housing, dam-raised) on future behavior, cognition, performance, and health parameters in dairy calves.

[Achtsame Massage und Achtsamkeitsschulung (Insightouch®) bei Depressionen, psychosomatischen und Bindungsstörungen]

Hintergrund: Bindungsstörungen können das Auftreten von Angst und Depression begünstigen, lassen sich aber durch korrigierende emotionale Erfahrungen verändern. Eine Massage - insbesondere wenn beide, Masseur (m/w) und Klient, sich in einem Zustand der Achtsamkeit befinden - kann eine solche korrigierende Erfahrung vermitteln. In der vorliegenden Interventionsstudie wurden die Auswirkungen von Insightouch® - einer Kombination von achtsamkeitsbasierter Massage mit Achtsamkeitsschulung - untersucht. Teilnehmer und Methoden: Wir rekrutierten 36 Personen mit psychischen Beschwerden, geringer Bindungsfähigkeit und geringer Achtsamkeit. In Intervallen von 8 Wochen wurden mittels validierter Fragebögen Parameter wie psychosomatische Symptome (Brief Symptom Inventory), Bindungsqualitäten (Adult Attachment Scale) und Achtsamkeit (Freiburger Achtsamkeitsfragebogen) erhoben. Die Hälfte der Teilnehmer (Gruppe A) startete mit der 8-wöchigen Behandlungsphase; nach weiteren 8 Wochen ohne Behandlung wurde die Nachhaltigkeit der Behandlungswirkung dokumentiert. Die Teilnehmer der Gruppe B starteten mit einer 8-wöchigen Wartephase (Kontrollphase ohne Behandlung), gefolgt von der Behandlungsphase. Ergebnisse: Während sich nach der Kontrollphase keine signifikanten Änderungen zeigten, bewirkte die aktive Behandlung statistisch signifikante Besserungen der 1) Symptomatik, 2) Bindungsdefizite und 3) Achtsamkeit. Nach der 8-wöchigen Nachbeobachtungsphase waren die psychischen und die bindungsbezogenen Symptome weiter verbessert; die behandlungsbedingt erhöhte Fähigkeit zur Achtsamkeit blieb hoch. Schlussfolgerung: Insightouch als primär nonverbale Intervention erhöht die Bindungsfähigkeit, verbessert psychosomatische Symptome und erhöht nachhaltig die Fähigkeit zur Achtsamkeit.

Oxytocin receptor gene variation, behavioural inhibition, and adult separation anxiety: Role in complicated grief

OBJECTIVES

Complicated grief (CG) following bereavement significantly increases the risk for mood and anxiety disorders. The severity of grief reactions may be interactively influenced by temperamental and psychological factors such as behavioural inhibition (BI) and separation anxiety (SA) as well as biological factors. Given its central role in attachment and stress processing, a genetic variant in the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene was thus investigated in order to elucidate the direction of association as well as its interaction with BI and SA in the moderation of CG severity.

METHODS

Ninety-three patients with mood and anxiety disorders were evaluated for CG by means of the Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG), for BI using the Retrospective Self-Report of Inhibition (RSRI), and for symptoms of SA during adulthood using the Adult Separation Anxiety Scale (ASA-27). All patients were genotyped for OXTR rs2254298.

RESULTS

OXTR genotype interacted with BI and, on a trend-level, with adult SA, to increase CG. Specifically, higher levels on the RSRI and ASA-27 scales, respectively, were related to higher ICG scores in GG genotype carriers.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study for the first time suggests a gene-environment interaction effect of an OXTR gene variant with BI and possibly also symptoms of adult SA in the moderation of vulnerability for CG.

Please Don't Leave Me-Separation Anxiety and Related Traits in Borderline Personality Disorder

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In light of the apparent symptomatic resemblance of separation anxiety disorder (SAD) symptoms on the one hand and abandonment fears, anxiousness, and separation insecurity central to borderline personality disorder (BPD) on the other hand, a comprehensive overview of separation anxiety and related traits in BPD is provided.

RECENT FINDINGS

Epidemiological, environmental, psychological, and neurobiological data connecting BPD to separation events, feelings of loneliness, insecure attachment styles, dimensional separation anxiety as well as SAD per se suggest a partly shared etiological pathway model underlying BPD and SAD. Differential diagnostic aspects and implications for treatment are discussed, highlighting separation anxiety as a promising transdiagnostic target for specific psychotherapeutic and pharmacological treatment approaches in BPD. This innovative angle on cross-disorder symptomatology might carry potential for novel preventive and therapeutic avenues in clinical practice by guiding the development of interventions specifically targeting separation anxiety and attachment-related issues in BPD.

Emotional neglect in childhood shapes social dysfunctioning in adults by influencing the oxytocin and the attachment system: Results from a population-based study

Early life maltreatment (ELM) is the major single risk factor for impairments in social functioning and mental health in adulthood. One of the most prevalent and most rapidly increasing forms of ELM is emotional neglect. According to bio-behavioral synchrony assumptions, the oxytocin and attachment systems play an important mediating role in the interplay between emotional neglect and social dysfunctioning. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether fear and avoidance of social functioning, two important and highly prevalent facets of social dysfunctioning in adulthood, are shaped by emotional neglect, plasma oxytocin levels and attachment representations. We assessed emotional neglect as well as other forms of ELM with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, current attachment representations with the Adult Attachment Projective Picture System, and fear and avoidance of social situations with the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale in a population-based sample of N = 121 men and women. Furthermore, 4.9 ml blood samples were drawn from each participant to assess peripheral plasma oxytocin levels. Applying a sequential mediation model, results revealed that emotional neglect was associated with lower plasma oxytocin levels which in turn were associated with insecure attachment representations which were related to elevated fear and avoidance of social situations (a₁d₂₁b₂: F_3,117 = 20.84, P < .001). Plasma oxytocin and current attachment representations hence fully and sequentially mediate the effects of emotional neglect on social fear and avoidance, two important facets of adult social dysfunctioning, confirming bio-behavioral synchrony assumptions.

Maltreatment, the Oxytocin Receptor Gene, and Conduct Problems Among Male and Female Teenagers

The oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) influences human behavior. The G allele of OXTR rs53576 has been associated with both prosocial and maladaptive behaviors but few studies have taken account of environmental factors. The present study determined whether the association of childhood maltreatment with conduct problems was modified by OXTR rs53576 genotypes. In a general population sample of 1591 teenagers, conduct problems as well as maltreatment were measured by self-report. DNA was extracted from saliva samples. In males, there was a significant positive association between maltreatment and conduct problems independent of the genotype. In females, among G allele carriers, the level of conduct problems was significantly higher among those who had been maltreated as compared to those not maltreated. By contrast, among female AA carriers, conduct problems did not vary between those who were, and who were not, maltreated. The results indicate that OXTR rs53576 plays a role in antisocial behavior in females such that the G allele confers vulnerability for antisocial behavior if they experience maltreatment, whereas the A allele has a protective effect.

Implications of the Research Domain Criteria project for childhood anxiety and its disorders

Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent psychiatric disorders in youth; however, progress in treatment for childhood anxiety has stalled over the past decade. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) project represents a shift toward a dimensional and interdisciplinary approach to psychiatric disorders; this shift can reframe developmental psychopathology for childhood anxiety and facilitate novel advances in its classification and treatment. Here we highlight constructs in the Systems for Social Processes and the Negative Valence System domains of RDoC, as they relate to childhood anxiety disorders. Childhood anxiety relates to both RDoC domains. In terms of social processes, through natural reliance on parents to reduce children's fear, attachment represents one particular social process, which plays a central role in anxiety among youth. In terms of negative valence, considerable research links threat conditioning to pediatric anxiety. Finally, fronto-amygdala circuitry relates to all three entities, as it has been shown to underly both attachment processes and threat learning, while it also has been consistently implicated in anxiety disorders across development. Through integrative and translational approaches, RDoC provides unique opportunities and simultaneous challenges for advancing the understanding and treatment of childhood anxiety disorders.

Oxytocin receptor gene polymorphisms, attachment, and PTSD: Results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study

The human oxytocin system is implicated in social behavior and stress recovery. Polymorphisms in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) may interact with attachment style to predict stress-related psychopathology like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The objective of this study was to examine independent and interactive effects of the OXTR single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs53576, which has been associated with stress reactivity, support-seeking, and PTSD in prior studies, and attachment style on risk for PTSD in a nationally representative sample of 2163 European-American (EA) U.S. military veterans who participated in two independent waves of the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study (NHRVS). Results revealed that insecure attachment style [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 4.29; p < 0.001] and the interaction of rs53576 and attachment style (OR = 2.58, p = 0.02) were associated with probable lifetime PTSD. Among individuals with the minor A allele, the prevalence of probable PTSD was significantly higher among those with an insecure attachment style (23.9%) than those with a secure attachment style (2.0%), equivalent to an adjusted OR of 10.7. We attempted to replicate these findings by utilizing dense marker data from a genome-wide association study of 2215 high-risk civilians; one OXTR variant, though not rs53576, was associated with PTSD. Exploratory analyses in the veteran sample revealed that the interaction between this variant and attachment style predicting probable PTSD approached statistical significance. Results indicate that polymorphisms in the OXTR gene and attachment style may contribute to vulnerability to PTSD in U.S. military veterans.

Oxytocin and Anxiety Disorders: Translational and Therapeutic Aspects

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review aims to evaluate the most recent literature examining the oxytocin (OXT) system's role in human anxiety by surveying various fields of preclinical and clinical research supporting this role, and queries whether the OXT system might be a target for novel anxiolytics.

RECENT FINDINGS

Evidence from the diverse body of literature presented here, from translational research, genetic and neuroimaging studies, to clinical trials of intranasal (IN) OXT reveals a positive association. In addition, some moderators (e.g., sex, specificities to cues) of OXT's anxiolytic effects can have an important influence on its outcomes, awaiting further research. Evidence for the role of OXT in regulating anxiety is undeniable. We expect that the diverse particularities of the OXT system will help broaden our understanding of anxiety and stress-related disorders. We conclude that OXT promises an enticing treatment option for human anxiety disorders especially those associated with socio-emotional dysfunctions.

Working hard for oneself or others: Effects of oxytocin on reward motivation in social anxiety disorder

There is some evidence to suggest that oxytocin promotes social behavior, especially for disorders characterized by social dysfunction, such as social anxiety disorder (SAD). The goal of this study was to examine the effect of oxytocin on reward motivation in SAD. We tested whether oxytocin promotes prosocial, or antisocial, self-directed decisions, and whether its effects depended on social anxiety severity and attachment. Fifty-two males with SAD received 24 international units of oxytocin or placebo, and completed a reward motivation task that measured willingness to work for self vs. other monetary rewards. Although there was no main drug effect, social anxiety severity moderated the effect of oxytocin. Less socially anxious individuals who received oxytocin worked harder for other vs. own rewards, compared to high socially anxious individuals. Attachment did not moderate this effect. Among people with SAD, oxytocin enhances prosocial behaviors in individuals with relatively lower levels of social anxiety. National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov Registry #NCT01856530. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01856530?term=oxytocin+pro-social&rank=2.

Differential susceptibility effects of oxytocin gene (OXT) polymorphisms and perceived parenting on social anxiety among adolescents

Social anxiety is one of the most commonly reported mental health problems among adolescents, and it has been suggested that parenting style influences an adolescent's level of anxiety. A context-dependent effect of oxytocin on human social behavior has been proposed; however, research on the oxytocin gene (OXT) has mostly been reported without considering contextual factors. This study investigated the interactions between parenting style and polymorphic variations in the OXT gene in association with social anxiety symptoms in a community sample of adolescents (n = 1,359). Two single nucleotide polymorphisms linked to OXT, rs4813625 and rs2770378, were genotyped. Social anxiety and perceived parenting style were assessed by behavioral questionnaires. In interaction models adjusted for sex, significant interaction effects with parenting style were observed for both variants in relation to social anxiety. The nature of the interactions was in line with the differential susceptibility framework for rs4813625, whereas for rs2770378 the results indicated a diathesis–stress type of interaction. The findings may be interpreted from the perspective of the social salience hypothesis of oxytocin, with rs4813625 affecting social anxiety levels along a perceived unsafe–safe social context dimension.

Oxytocin and Anxiety Disorders

In the present chapter, we review the literature focusing on oxytocin (OT)-centered research in anxiety spectrum conditions, comprising separation anxiety disorder, specific phobias, social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and anxiety-related endophenotypes (e.g., trust behavior, behavioral inhibition, neuroticism, and state/trait anxiety). OT receptor gene (OXTR) polymorphisms have been implicated in gene-environment interactions with attachment style and childhood maltreatment and to influence clinical outcomes, including SAD intensity and limbic responsiveness. Epigenetic OXTR DNA methylation patterns have emerged as a link between categorical, dimensional, neuroendocrinological, and neuroimaging SAD correlates, highlighting them as potential peripheral surrogates of the central oxytocinergic tone. A pathophysiological framework of OT integrating the dynamic nature of epigenetic biomarkers and the summarized genetic and peripheral evidence is proposed. Finally, we emphasize opportunities and challenges of OT as a key network node of social interaction and fear learning in social contexts. In conjunction with multi-level investigations incorporating a dimensional understanding of social affiliation and avoidance in anxiety spectrum disorders, these concepts will help to promote research for diagnostic, state, and treatment response biomarkers of the OT system, advancing towards indicated preventive interventions and personalized treatment approaches.

Biological markers for anxiety disorders, OCD and PTSD - a consensus statement. Part I: Neuroimaging and genetics

OBJECTIVES

Biomarkers are defined as anatomical, biochemical or physiological traits that are specific to certain disorders or syndromes. The objective of this paper is to summarise the current knowledge of biomarkers for anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

METHODS

Findings in biomarker research were reviewed by a task force of international experts in the field, consisting of members of the World Federation of Societies for Biological Psychiatry Task Force on Biological Markers and of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Anxiety Disorders Research Network.

RESULTS

The present article (Part I) summarises findings on potential biomarkers in neuroimaging studies, including structural brain morphology, functional magnetic resonance imaging and techniques for measuring metabolic changes, including positron emission tomography and others. Furthermore, this review reports on the clinical and molecular genetic findings of family, twin, linkage, association and genome-wide association studies. Part II of the review focuses on neurochemistry, neurophysiology and neurocognition.

CONCLUSIONS

Although at present, none of the putative biomarkers is sufficient and specific as a diagnostic tool, an abundance of high-quality research has accumulated that will improve our understanding of the neurobiological causes of anxiety disorders, OCD and PTSD.

Influence of 5-HTT variation, childhood trauma and self-efficacy on anxiety traits: a gene-environment-coping interaction study

Environmental vulnerability factors such as adverse childhood experiences in interaction with genetic risk variants, e.g., the serotonin transporter gene linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR), are assumed to play a role in the development of anxiety and affective disorders. However, positive influences such as general self-efficacy (GSE) may exert a compensatory effect on genetic disposition, environmental adversity, and anxiety traits. We, thus, assessed childhood trauma (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, CTQ) and GSE in 678 adults genotyped for 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 and their interaction on agoraphobic cognitions (Agoraphobic Cognitions Questionnaire, ACQ), social anxiety (Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, LSAS), and trait anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI-T). The relationship between anxiety traits and childhood trauma was moderated by self-efficacy in 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 LALA genotype carriers: LALA probands maltreated as children showed high anxiety scores when self-efficacy was low, but low anxiety scores in the presence of high self-efficacy despite childhood maltreatment. Our results extend previous findings regarding anxiety-related traits showing an interactive relationship between 5-HTT genotype and adverse childhood experiences by suggesting coping-related measures to function as an additional dimension buffering the effects of a gene-environment risk constellation. Given that anxiety disorders manifest already early in childhood, this insight could contribute to the improvement of psychotherapeutic interventions by including measures strengthening self-efficacy and inform early targeted preventive interventions in at-risk populations, particularly within the crucial time window of childhood and adolescence.