A Search for Risk Genes of Psychiatric Disorders

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Panic disorder (PD) is characterized by the recurrence of anxiety attacks and anticipatory anxiety that causes extensive restriction in daily activities. It is known that 2% of general population suffers from the disorder and genetic factor plays a role in the causation. We have established the largest DNA sample in the world, and searched risk SNPs, CNVs and micro chromosomal abnormalities for PD using 900k SNPs chip and CGH arrays. Common CNVs on chromosome 11, 14, 19 were found to be associated with PD and further analysis is in progress. We also found hypo-activation of prefrontal cortex is a trait and intermediate phenotype of PD, through NIRS measurements comparing between twins from identical twin pairs discordant for PD and between PD patients with and without family history.