CRF overexpression increases anxiety in primates

Overexpression of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a stress-related gene, increases anxious temperament in monkeys, new research indicates. The findings provide a direct link in primates between alterations in stress-related systems in the brain and the development of anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders often begin early in life and anxious temperament during childhood is considered a risk for later development of anxiety and depression.