Background
Significant sex differences are observed in mental health. Women exhibit higher rates of internalizing disorders, such as depression and anxiety, whereas males show higher rates of externalizing disorders such as conduct disorders and ADHD. Sex differences are also evident in age of onset, clinical profiles, and symptomatology within specific disorders. While social and environmental factors contribute to these differences, genetic and biological mechanisms also play a crucial role. Advances in psychiatric genetics have facilitated the investigation of sex-specific genetic influences on mental health; however, many studies continue to overlook these differences.
Aim
This project aims to investigate whether genetic risk factors for depression and anxiety differ between males and females. Specifically, it will:
- Identify sex-specific genetic variants associated with these disorders.
- Assess whether sex-specific polygenic risk scores (PRS) have differing associations between sexes.
- Examine potential gene-by-sex interactions that contribute to mental health outcomes.
Approach
The project will use large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from studies such as the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) and the Australian Genetics of Depression Study (AGDS). This project provides an opportunity to develop skills in genetic data analysis, statistical programming, and genetic epidemiology. The findings may improve our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying sex differences in mental health disorders, contributing to more personalized treatment approaches.
Project Potential
This project has the potential to provide valuable insights into the genetic basis of sex differences in mental health traits, such as depression and anxiety, by identifying sex-specific genetic risk factors and exploring how they influence the onset, severity, and treatment response of these disorders. The findings could pave the way for more tailored, sex-specific interventions and improve our understanding of the biological mechanisms driving mental health disparities between men and women.