Attachment style and oxytocin receptor gene variation interact in influencing social anxiety

Abstract

Objectives: Social anxiety has been suggested to be promoted by an insecure attachment style. Oxytocin is discussed as a mediator of trust and social bonding as well as a modulator of social anxiety. Applying a gene–environment (G × E) interaction approach, in the present pilot study the main and interactive effects of attachment styles and oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene variation were probed in a combined risk factor model of social anxiety in healthy probands. Methods: Participants (N = 388; 219 females, 169 males; age 24.7 ± 4.7 years) were assessed for anxiety in social situations (Social Phobia and Anxiety Inventory) depending on attachment style (Adult Attachment Scale, AAS) and OXTR rs53576 A/G genotype. Results: A less secure attachment style was significantly associated with higher social anxiety. This association was partly modulated by OXTR genotype, with a stronger negative influence of a less secure attachment style on social anxiety in A allele carriers as compared to GG homozygotes. Conclusions: The present pilot data point to a strong association of less secure attachment and social anxiety as well as to a gene–environment interaction effect of OXTR rs53576 genotype and attachment style on social anxiety possibly constituting a targetable combined risk marker of social anxiety disorder.

Keywords:

• Social phobia
• SAD
• OXTR
• gene–environment interaction
• attachment

Acknowledgements

The study was supported by grants of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG; German Research Foundation; Collaborative Research Centre “Fear, Anxiety, Anxiety Disorders”, SFB-TRR-58) project Z2 to JD, AR and PP, project C1 to PZ, project C2 to KD and JD, and project B6 to AR. We are grateful for the skilful technical support by Ms. Kathrin Schwarte and Ms. Carola Gagel.

Statement of interest

None to declare.