Women Carry Nearly Double the Genetic Risk for Depression, Australian Study Finds

Australian researchers have discovered that women face a significantly higher genetic risk for clinical depression than men, according to a new study published in Nature Communications on Wednesday.

The research, led by the Berghofer Medical Research Institute, found that women carry nearly twice as many genetic markers associated with depression compared to men — about 13,000 in women versus 7,000 in men.

Researcher Jodi Thomas explained that the genetic contribution to depression appears stronger in women. She said identifying both shared and unique genetic factors between the sexes gives scientists a clearer understanding of what causes depression and could pave the way for more personalized treatments.

Another team member, Dr. Brittany Mitchell, noted that the findings might influence how depression is treated in women, as most past research and medication trials have primarily focused on male participants.

The study suggests that some genetic differences may affect biological pathways linked to metabolism and hormone production, potentially explaining why women with depression often experience weight changes or energy fluctuations.

The World Health Organization estimates that more than 300 million people globally suffer from depression, making it one of the most common mental disorders worldwide.

This new discovery could lead to a gender-specific approach to understanding and managing depression in the future.