Genetic Susceptibility to shyness - the shyness Gene
Recently, researchers conducted three separate studies involving children ages (21 months – 6 years), college students, and young adults in an effort to determine possible links between genes and shyness. For the purpose of these studies, researchers defined introversion or shyness as being less sociable and disliking large group situations.
The first study involved children from over one hundred families. The children stayed with their mothers while a female researcher gave them tasks that they were not familiar with for about ninety minutes. These sessions were video recorded; researchers isolated the children who were withdrawn, shy, or hesitant during the sessions, then analyzed blood samples taken from the children. The results of the gene test showed these children had variations in their RGS2 gene.
The second study involved over seven hundred college students who were given personality surveys and blood tests, and, once again, variations in the RGS2 gene were prevalent among more introverted students.
The third study involved brain scans that were completed on fifty-five young adults, who were shown pictures of happy, angry, or fearful faces. Individuals with RGS2 gene variations showed an increase in brain activity within areas of the brain that are responsible for fear and anxiety.
Researchers were quick to point out that the RGS2 gene does not make individuals shy or introverted and that this study was not done as a diagnosing tool for anxiety disorder. The mere fact that an individual is shy or introverted does not mean that they suffer from anxiety. However, introversion and shyness are risk factors for anxiety related disorders particularly social anxiety disorder.
If future research provides scientists with more connections between anxiety disorders and RGS2 gene variations, gene therapy may be a viable treatment for anxiety related disorders.
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The first study involved children from over one hundred families. The children stayed with their mothers while a female researcher gave them tasks that they were not familiar with for about ninety minutes. These sessions were video recorded; researchers isolated the children who were withdrawn, shy, or hesitant during the sessions, then analyzed blood samples taken from the children. The results of the gene test showed these children had variations in their RGS2 gene.
The second study involved over seven hundred college students who were given personality surveys and blood tests, and, once again, variations in the RGS2 gene were prevalent among more introverted students.
The third study involved brain scans that were completed on fifty-five young adults, who were shown pictures of happy, angry, or fearful faces. Individuals with RGS2 gene variations showed an increase in brain activity within areas of the brain that are responsible for fear and anxiety.
Researchers were quick to point out that the RGS2 gene does not make individuals shy or introverted and that this study was not done as a diagnosing tool for anxiety disorder. The mere fact that an individual is shy or introverted does not mean that they suffer from anxiety. However, introversion and shyness are risk factors for anxiety related disorders particularly social anxiety disorder.
If future research provides scientists with more connections between anxiety disorders and RGS2 gene variations, gene therapy may be a viable treatment for anxiety related disorders.
Return to:
Additional Entries
Disability Questions
What happens if you win or lose a disability decision?
Who usually wins SSI Cases?
why does social security send you to a medical examination?
Social Security Disability and Medical Determinations
Applying for disability for a mental condition
The disability evaluation and application process
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