Australian researchers have found that women are genetically more prone to clinical depression than men, according to a study published Wednesday that could influence future approaches to treatment.
Billed as one of the largest studies of its kind, scientists scoured the DNA of nearly 200,000 people with depression to identify shared genetic “flags.”
Women had almost twice as many of these genetic markers linked 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 researcher Jodi Thomas.
“Unpacking shared and unique genetic factors in men and women 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 the biological causes remain something of a mystery.
About 13,000 genetic markers were linked to depression in women, the researchers found, compared to 7,000 markers in men.
Some of these genetic changes could alter biological pathways related to metabolism or hormone production.
“We found some genetic differences that may help explain why women with depression more often experience metabolic symptoms, such as weight changes or altered energy levels,” Thomas said.
Researcher Brittany Mitchell said the findings could lead to changes in how depression is treated in women.
“Until now, there hasn’t been much 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 drugs are currently being developed – and the research we know of to date – has primarily focused on men or male participants.”
Clinical depression, or major depressive disorder, is one of the most common mental disorders in the world.
According to the World Health Organization.
The study was published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Communications.
