Key TakeawaysA new study reveals that discrimination can be an important factor that increases the risk for psychiatric disorders, even after accounting for genetic risk.Having a strong supportive network can be a valuable tool when dealing with discriminatory experiences.

Key Takeaways

A new study reveals that discrimination can be an important factor that increases the risk for psychiatric disorders, even after accounting for genetic risk.Having a strong supportive network can be a valuable tool when dealing with discriminatory experiences.

In a recent study, scientists delved into the link between racism and anxiety, while taking into account those who may or may not have a genetic disposition to the disorder.

The researchers concluded that exposure to discrimination plays a large role in the risk of developing anxiety disorders, even after accounting for potential genetic risks. The November study was published in the journalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

What This Means. For YouExperiencing discrimination can increase your risk of developing psychiatric disorders. If you’re struggling with discrimination and anxiety in your daily life, consider reaching out to someone you trust and confide in them, whether it’s a loved one or a healthcare provider.

What This Means. For You

Experiencing discrimination can increase your risk of developing psychiatric disorders. If you’re struggling with discrimination and anxiety in your daily life, consider reaching out to someone you trust and confide in them, whether it’s a loved one or a healthcare provider.

The Study

For the study, the research team interviewed 1,500 adults between the ages of 25-74. Men and women were nearly equally represented.

Three criteria were used to measure discrimination and other forms of social exclusion:

After controlling for increased genetic risk for anxiety, depression, and other factors, the researchers found a strong link between anxiety and discrimination in participants.

Anxiety is also associated with chronic health conditions like heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. These conditions can start to take a toll on one’s physical health beyond mental well-being.

Cuevas hopes the research will change the way we talk about discrimination and racism. “When people talk about discrimination it is not something that happens ‘in their heads,'" Cuevas says. “These experiences are real and can have real health effects. We should be having more open conversations about how ways we can improve treatment and communication, as well as reduce existing health and social inequalities that plague the US.”

The Path Forward

It’s important for those who are experiencing racism to understand that feelings of anxiety are, unfortunately, normal. That doesn’t mean, however, that you have to experience these feelings alone.

“Having a strong supportive network has been shown to be a powerful tool to cope with discriminatory experiences,” Cuevas says. “Someone who can listen and validate the experiences can really help alleviate some of the toxicity associated with the negative events like discrimination. Victims of discrimination should not internalize these events.

How Arts and Culture Can Help COVID-19 Anxiety

Consider reaching out to someone you trust to talk about your experiences. “A partner, friend, family member, or even neighbor can help remind the person that they belong to the community and are valued members of that community,” Cuevas says. “Nevertheless, the burden shouldn’t fall on the victim of discrimination.”

But beyond individual actions, Cuevas says reform at local and federal levels to curb discriminatory practices are the actions that can currently make the greatest difference.

“People in positions of power, such as political leaders and public health officials, should find effective ways to address the issues of stigma, racism, and other forms of discrimination,” Cuevas says. “Addressing these issues at the policy level is the most effective way to reduce discrimination exposure and improve mental health at the population level.”

3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Anxiety and Depression Association of America.Facts & statistics.Cuevas A, Mann F, Williams D, Krueger R.Discrimination and anxiety: Using multiple polygenic scores to control for genetic liability.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2020;118(1):e2017224118. doi:10.1073/pnas.2017224118Wiener A, Rohr C, Naor N, Villringer A, Okon-Singer H.Emotion regulation in essential hypertension: roles of anxiety, stress, and the pulvinar.Front Behav Neurosci. 2020;14. doi:10.3389/fnbeh.2020.00080

3 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Anxiety and Depression Association of America.Facts & statistics.Cuevas A, Mann F, Williams D, Krueger R.Discrimination and anxiety: Using multiple polygenic scores to control for genetic liability.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2020;118(1):e2017224118. doi:10.1073/pnas.2017224118Wiener A, Rohr C, Naor N, Villringer A, Okon-Singer H.Emotion regulation in essential hypertension: roles of anxiety, stress, and the pulvinar.Front Behav Neurosci. 2020;14. doi:10.3389/fnbeh.2020.00080

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Anxiety and Depression Association of America.Facts & statistics.Cuevas A, Mann F, Williams D, Krueger R.Discrimination and anxiety: Using multiple polygenic scores to control for genetic liability.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2020;118(1):e2017224118. doi:10.1073/pnas.2017224118Wiener A, Rohr C, Naor N, Villringer A, Okon-Singer H.Emotion regulation in essential hypertension: roles of anxiety, stress, and the pulvinar.Front Behav Neurosci. 2020;14. doi:10.3389/fnbeh.2020.00080

Anxiety and Depression Association of America.Facts & statistics.

Cuevas A, Mann F, Williams D, Krueger R.Discrimination and anxiety: Using multiple polygenic scores to control for genetic liability.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2020;118(1):e2017224118. doi:10.1073/pnas.2017224118

Wiener A, Rohr C, Naor N, Villringer A, Okon-Singer H.Emotion regulation in essential hypertension: roles of anxiety, stress, and the pulvinar.Front Behav Neurosci. 2020;14. doi:10.3389/fnbeh.2020.00080

Meet Our Medical Expert Board

Share Feedback

Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit

What is your feedback?