Australian Researchers Reveal Genetic Predisposition to Depression in Women
Australian researchers have revealed, in a study published on Wednesday in the journal Nature Communications, that women have a higher genetic predisposition to depressive disorders than men, a discovery that could transform therapeutic approaches to the disease. This research, one of the largest ever conducted in the field and peer-reviewed, analyzed the DNA of nearly 200,000 people suffering from depression to identify common genetic markers.
Led by the Berghofer Institute of Medical Research in Australia, the project highlighted that women possess almost twice as many genetic markers linked to depression as men. Researcher Jodie Thomas explained in a statement that identifying both common and sex-specific genetic factors allows for a better understanding of the causes of depression and paves the way for more personalized treatments.
The scientists thus identified approximately 13,000 genetic markers associated with depression in women, compared to around 7,000 in men. Some of these differences could also influence metabolism or hormone production. "We discovered genetic differences that could explain why depressed women more often exhibit metabolic symptoms, such as weight changes or energy level fluctuations," Thomas specified.
Depression remains one of the most prevalent mental health disorders worldwide, affecting over 300 million people according to the World Health Organization. Researcher Brittany Mitchell added that until now, few reliable studies have focused on the differences between men and women in the manifestation of depression, particularly regarding the role of genetic factors. She also emphasized that a growing number of studies highlight the fact that most research and treatments in development still primarily focus on men.
Key Findings:
- Women have a higher genetic predisposition to depressive disorders than men
- Approximately 13,000 genetic markers associated with depression were identified in women, compared to around 7,000 in men
- Genetic differences could influence metabolism or hormone production, leading to symptoms such as weight changes or energy level fluctuations
- The study paves the way for more personalized treatments and a better understanding of the causes of depression
Implications:
- The discovery could transform therapeutic approaches to depression
- More research is needed to focus on the differences between men and women in the manifestation of depression
- The study highlights the importance of considering genetic factors in the development of treatments for depression.
