Women have a genetically higher risk of clinical depression than men, This stems from a study by Australian scientists published on Wednesday in Nature Communications. According to AFP, the study may change the treatment of this disease, TASR informs.
Scientists in a study described as one of its greatest of its kind have studied DNA almost 200,000 people with depression to identify common “genetic features”. Women had almost twice the number of genetic markers associated with depression compared to men.
“The genetic component of depression is greater in women than in men,” said researcher Jodi Thomas of the Australian Institute of QIMR BERGHOFER. “An analysis of common and unique genetic factors in men and women provides us with a clearer picture of the causes of depression and opens the door to personalized treatment,“She continued.
It has long been known that depression is more common in women, but biological causes remain unknown. In recent research, approximately 13,000 genetic markers were associated with depression in women and 7000 in men. Some of these genetic changes may affect biological pathways associated with metabolism or hormone production.
“We have found some genetic differences that can help explain why women with depression are more likely to experience metabolic symptoms, such as weight changes or changed energy levels,” said Thomas.
Brittany Mitchell, researcher, said that Findings can lead to changes in the treatment of depression in women. “So far, there has been a lot of consistent research to explain why depression affects women and men differently, including the possible role of genetics,” she explained. According to her, most developed drugs and research also focused mainly on men.
Clinical depression or major depressive disorder is one of the most common mental diseases in the world. According to the World Health Organization, over 300 million people suffer from depression.
