Project Summary

Myrna M. Weissman, Ph.D. (Distinguished Investigator 2000) of Columbia University, is examining a possible “syndrome” found in some families with panic disorder.  This syndrome appears to include a variety of bladder and kidney problems in some family members.  In previous work by Dr. Weissman's group, clustering of these abnormalities was found in some families under study.  It was hypothesized that the presence of bladder and kidney problems may represent a genetic subtype of panic disorder.  The present study will follow-up on genetic linkage findings on these families.  The study will be conducted on patients and families from an internal medicine clinic.  Family history of panic disorder will be obtained, and formal criteria for the bladder and kidney problems will be made.  Blood will be drawn and genetic analyses conducted.  This work may lead to the identification of a gene or genes for this potential subtype of panic disorder.

Program Area: ANXIETY DISORDERS\Panic Disorder

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