title: Finding gene-environment interactions for phobias.
abstract: Phobias are common disorders causing a great deal of suffering. Studies of gene-environment interaction (G x E) have revealed much about the complex processes underlying the development of various psychiatric disorders but have told us little about phobias. This article describes what is already known about genetic and environmental influences upon phobias and suggests how this information can be used to optimise the chances of discovering G x Es for phobias. In addition to the careful conceptualisation of new studies, it is suggested that data already collected should be re-analysed in light of increased understanding of processes influencing phobias.
authors.affiliation: Psychology Department, Goldsmiths College, University of London, Lewisham Way, New Cross, London, UK. a.gregory@gold.ac.uk
authors.forename: Alice M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Gregory
authors.forename: Jennifer Y F
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Lau
authors.forename: Thalia C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Eley
mesh_terms: D004777:Environment; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology*; D018433:Twin Studies as Topic