Study finds women have higher genetic risk of depression

Researcher Brittany Mitchell says the findings could change how doctors treat depression in women.

In a study published Wednesday, Australian researchers discovered that women’s genetic makeup increases their risk. Among the clinical findings, researchers discovered that women are more affected than men — a result that could transform how the disorder is treated.

Billed as one of the largest-ever studies of its kind, scientists pored through the DNA of almost 200,000 people with depression to pinpoint 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.

Researcher Jodi Thomas said the genetic component of depression is greater in females than in males.

“Unpacking the shared and unique genetic factors in males and females gives us a clearer picture of what causes depression — and opens the door to more personalised treatments.”

Researchers have long known that depression affects women more often than men, but they still have not fully uncovered its biological causes.

The researchers found about 13,000 genetic markers linked to depression in women, compared with 7,000 in men.

Some of these genetic changes could alter biological pathways linked to metabolism or hormone production.

“We found some genetic differences that may help explain why females with depression are 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 females and males differently, including the possible role of genetics,” she said.

She said researchers have increasingly revealed that most medications and studies. Developments so far have primarily focused 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 across the globe have depression, according to the World Health Organisation.

The study was published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Communications.