Women genetically have a greater risk of clinical depression than men, Australian researchers found in a study published on Wednesday that could change the way the disorder is treated.
I consider as one of the largest studies of this type, scientists accumulated through the DNA of almost 200,000 people with depression to identify genetic “flags” shared.
Women had almost twice these genetic markers linked to depression than men, according to the project led by the Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Australia.
“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 image of what causes depression, and opens the door to more personalized treatments.”
For a long time it is known that depression is more common in women, but biological causes remain a mystery.
The researchers found that around 13,000 genetic markers were linked to depression in women, compared to 7,000 markers in men.
Some of these genetic changes could alter biological pathways linked to metabolism or hormone production.
“We find some genetic differences that can help explain why women with depression experience metabolic symptoms, such as altered weight changes or energy levels,” Thomas said.
Researcher Brittany Mitchell said the findings could lead to changes in the way depression in women is treated.
“Until now, there has not been a very consistent investigation to explain why depression affects women and men differently, including the possible role of genetics,” he said.
“There are more and more stories about how many of the medications that are currently developed, and the research we have met to date, have focused mainly on men or male participants.”
Clinical depression, or major depressive disorder, is one of the most common mental disorders in the world.
More than 300 million people worldwide have depression, according to the World Health Organization.
The study was published in the magazine reviewed by Pares Nature Communications.
