CRF overexpression increases anxiety in primates
Anxiety disorders often begin early in life and anxious temperament during childhood is considered a risk for later development of anxiety and depression. "Young children with extreme anxious temperament have about a 50% chance of developing stress-related psychopathology," said Kalin. Researchers have thought that overactivity of the CRF system mediates symptoms associated with anxiety and depression. But early excitement over treating the disorders by altering brain CRF systems turned to disappointment when the approach failed to produce positive outcomes in clinical trials. The new study makes the case that CRF may be an important signaling mechanism for anxiety in primates, which may help reignite interest in targeting CRF for treatment of anxiety and depression. "This study helps to keep the CRF story alive. Blocking CRF signaling may yet be an important path for reducing anxiety and promoting resilience," said John Krystal, Editor of Biological Psychia...