Women are at genetically higher risk of clinical depression than men, Australia’s researchers found in a study published Wednesday that could change the way the disorder was addressed.
They were charged as one of the largest studies of this kind, scientists ran through DNA about 200,000 people with depression to identify common genetic flags.
Women had almost twice as many as these genetic indicators associated with depression as men, according to the project led by Australia’s Institute of Medical Research.
“The genetic ingredient for depression is greater in females than males,” said researcher Jodi Thomas.
“The unpacking of common and unique genetic factors in males and females gives us a clearer picture of what causes depression – and opens the door to more personalized treatments.”
It has long been known that depression is more common in women, but biological causes remain a mystery.
About 13,000 genetic indicators were associated with depression in women, the researchers found, compared to 7,000 indicators in men.
Some of these genetic changes could change the biological pathways associated with metabolism or hormone production.
“We have found some genetic differences that can help explain why females with depression often experience metabolic symptoms, such as weight changes or changing energy levels,” Thomas said.
Researcher Brittany Mitchell said the findings could lead to changes in the way women are treated.
“Until now, there has been no very consistent research to explain why depression affects females and males differently, including the possible role of genetics,” he said.
“There are more and more stories that come from how many of the drugs that are being developed today – and the research we know to date – are mainly focused on male or male participants.”
Clinical depression or great depressive disorder is one of the most common mental disorders in the world.
More than 300 million people around the world are depressed, according to the World Health Organization.
The study was published in the journal Nature Communications.
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