Attentional threat avoidance and familial risk are independently associated with childhood anxiety disorders

摘要: BACKGROUND  Twin studies in children reveal that familial aggregation of anxiety disorders is due to both genetic and environmental factors. Cognitive biases for threat information are considered a robust characteristic childhood anxiety. However, little known regarding the underlying aetiology such their role disorders. METHOD  A face version dot-probe task measuring attentional negative (anger, fear, sad, disgust) positive (happy) facial expressions was completed by 600, 8-year-old twins; largest study its kind. Twin correlations bias scores were compared estimate effects. Parent-report diagnostic interviews identified with an disorder. Indices inferred risk created each child. Data analysed using series logistic regressions. RESULTS Anxious showed greater avoidance faces than nonanxious children; t (548) = 2.55, p < .05. Attentional not under or shared influence. Risk predicted Both significant but independent predictors (ORs = .65 3.64, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Anxiety-related play important roles disorders. If replicated, these findings indicate links between lie outside domain processes.