High anxiety and migraine are associated with the s allele of the 5HTTLPR gene polymorphism

Psychiatry Res. 2007 Jan 15;149(1-3):261-6. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2006.05.014. Epub 2006 Nov 17.

Abstract

The 5HTTLPR polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene has been associated with anxiety disorders and also migraine, suggesting a common etiological background of these disorders. This association is further supported by the high comorbidity of these disorders. In our study Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the 5HTTLPR genotype were investigated in a cohort of 97 psychiatrically healthy females also including 45 migraineurs. Higher state anxiety scores were significantly associated with the s allele either in the whole sample or when the group was separated into migraineurs and non-migraineurs. Migraineurs also had a significantly higher frequency of the s allele. Our results indicate that even in a healthy population the s allele is associated with a high anxiety endophenotype. The association of migraine with anxiety may be explained by the higher rate of individuals carrying the s allele among migraineurs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alleles*
  • Anxiety Disorders / diagnosis
  • Anxiety Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Anxiety Disorders / genetics*
  • DNA Primers / genetics
  • Female
  • Gene Expression / genetics*
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Migraine Disorders / diagnosis
  • Migraine Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Migraine Disorders / genetics*
  • Phenotype
  • Polymorphism, Genetic / genetics*
  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / genetics*
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins