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Behavior Genetics of Psychopathology pp 67–97Cite as

Genetic Influences on Depression and Anxiety in Childhood and Adolescence

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Part of the book series: Advances in Behavior Genetics ((AIBG,volume 2))

Abstract

Depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health problems experienced in the general population (Kessler et al., 1994). It is now well established that depression and anxiety often have their origins in childhood and adolescence (Rutter, Kim-Cohen, & Maughan, 2006). In this chapter, current issues and evidence from epidemiological and behavior genetic research on childhood depression and anxiety are reviewed including results of family, twin, and adoption studies as well as results from other types of genetically informed intergenerational studies and molecular genetic studies. Considerations arising from existing research are discussed, and potential directions for future research are suggested.

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Acknowledgment

This work was supported by the Medical Research Council (G0802200).

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  1. Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, 26 Bedford Way, London, WC1H 0AP, UK

    Frances Rice

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  1. Department of Psychology and NeuroScience, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA

    Soo Hyun Rhee

  2. Department of Psychological Sciences, University of London, London, United Kingdom

    Angelica Ronald

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Rice, F. (2014). Genetic Influences on Depression and Anxiety in Childhood and Adolescence. In: Rhee, S., Ronald, A. (eds) Behavior Genetics of Psychopathology. Advances in Behavior Genetics, vol 2. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-9509-3_3

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