Females carry a higher genetic risk of depression
Twice as many genetic ‘flags’ for depression in females as males
For the first time, scientists have revealed important genetic differences in how females and males experience depression. In a groundbreaking global study, researchers discovered twice as many genetic ‘flags’ for depression in females compared with males.
The research analysed DNA from hundreds of thousands of people with and without depression—including 130,000 females and 65,000 males diagnosed with the condition. Data came from the Australian Genetics of Depression Study and several international collaborations.
The Venn diagram shows that there are 7111 genetic variants affecting depression in both males and females but there are an extra 6133 operating in females only. This could provide an explanation of the double prevalence of depression in females compared to males.
“Our analyses suggest that there are around 6,000 DNA changes that could influence depression risk in females only,” said Dr Jodi Thomas (pictured right with fellow researcher, Dr Brittany Mitchell).
- Around 7,000 DNA changes may increase depression risk in both sexes.
- An additional 6,000 DNA changes appear to influence depression risk in females only (total 13,000 genetic markers).
- Genetic links between depression and metabolic traits (e.g. body mass index) were stronger in females, which may explain why symptoms like weight gain and appetite increase are more common among women with depression.
The knowledge that genetic factors contribute more to depression risk in females than in males could pave the way for intervention and treatments that are more personalised to individuals.
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