MCPH1 and Anxiety: Recent research has suggested that hippocampal neurogenesis may have a key role in antidepressant action.31, 32 A recent genetic study in a Japanese population found that MCPH1 genetic variation is associated with automatic thoughts (may be risk factors for depression and anxiety) evaluated by the Depression and Anxiety Cognition Scale, a Japanese psychological questionnaire.33MCPH1 has also been implicated in autism and schizophrenia.34, 35