Women are genetically at higher risk of clinical depression than men, Australian researchers found in a study published Wednesday that could change how the disorder is being treated.
Invoiced as one of the largest ever studies of its kind, researchers who conducted DNA from nearly 200,000 people with depression to clarify shared genetic “flags”.
Women had almost twice as many of these genetic markers attached to depression as men, according to the project led by Australia’s Berghofer Medical Research Institute.
“The genetic component of depression is greater in women compared to men,” said scientist Jodi Thomas.
“Unpacking the shared and unique genetic factors of men and women give us a clearer picture of what is causing depression – and opens the door to more personalized treatments.”
It has long been known that depression is more common in women, but the biological causes remain something of a mystery.
About 13,000 genetic markers were associated with depression in women, researchers found compared to 7,000 markers in men.
Some of these genetic changes could change biological pathways linked to metabolism or hormone production.
“We found some genetic differences that can help explain why women with depression more often experience metabolic symptoms, such as weight changes or changing energy levels,” Thomas said.
Researcher Brittany Mitchell said the results could lead to changes in how depression is treated in women.
“Until now, there has not been very consistent research to explain why depression affects women and men differently, including the possible role of genetics,” she said.
“There are more and more stories coming out about how many of the medicines are currently being developed – and the research we have known for date – has mostly been focused on men or male participants.”
Clinical depression or greater depressive disorder is one of the most common mental disorders in the world.
More than 300 million people across the globe have depression according to the World Health Organization.
The study was published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Communications.
