From the Guidelines
Emotional sensitivity is significantly influenced by genetic factors, with heritability estimates ranging from 37% to 49%, as reported in twin studies 1. The development of emotional sensitivity is a complex interplay between biological predisposing factors, such as genetic liability, and early-life environmental stressors.
- Genetic factors contribute to the development of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a condition characterized by excessive preoccupation with a perceived flaw in appearance, with heritability estimates ranging from 37% to 49% 1.
- Multivariate twin studies have shown that there is some overlap in the genetic influences on symptoms of BDD and other obsessive-compulsive related disorders, as well as anxiety disorders 1.
- However, most (approximately 65%) of the genetic risk for BDD is not shared with other disorders, suggesting a unique genetic profile for BDD 1.
- To date, there have not been any well-powered genomic studies to identify specific genetic variants that may underpin BDD symptoms, highlighting the need for further research in this area 1.
- Understanding the genetic basis of emotional sensitivity can help explain why individuals respond differently to the same emotional stimuli and may eventually lead to personalized approaches for managing emotional sensitivity and related mental health conditions.
- Nonshared environmental experiences, such as peer victimization and childhood trauma, also play an important role in the development of emotional sensitivity, and modifying these factors may be crucial in preventing or treating related mental health conditions 1.
From the Research
Genetics of Emotional Sensitivity
- Emotional sensitivity is influenced by genetic factors, with individual differences in emotion processing being characteristic of several neuropsychiatric disorders 2.
- Studies have identified functional variants at several genes, including catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), serotonin transporter (SLC6A4), and neuropeptide Y (NPY), that contribute to individual differences in emotion processing 2.
- The heritability of emotion regulation strategies, such as cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression, has also been investigated, with findings suggesting that these strategies are differentially heritable 3.
Gene-Environment Interactions
- Gene-environment interactions play a crucial role in shaping emotional sensitivity, with childhood experiences influencing genetic sensitivity to environmental influences across adulthood 4.
- A polygenic score of environmental sensitivity has been found to moderate the effects of childhood and adult environment on psychological distress, with genetically sensitive individuals being more vulnerable to adversity 4.
- The differential susceptibility hypothesis suggests that a life course approach is necessary to elucidate the role of Gene × Environment in the development of mental illnesses 4.
Genetic Associations with Emotional Problems
- Greater environmental sensitivity has been associated with increased risk of mental health problems, especially in response to stressors, and lower levels of subjective wellbeing 5.
- Individual differences in environmental sensitivity are partly heritable, with genetic influences underlying sensitivity explaining between 2 and 12% of the variations in emotional problems, autistic traits, and subjective wellbeing 5.
- The observed correlations between sensitivity and emotional problems, autistic traits, and wellbeing are largely due to overlapping genetic influences 5.
Treatment Implications
- While the provided studies do not directly address treatment implications for emotional sensitivity, research on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adolescents and children suggests that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be effective in reducing symptoms, with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) being a recommended first-line treatment 6.