Women carry a much higher risk of genetic depression than men, a study by Australian experts has found.
The scientists identified twice as many “flags”, or warning signs, of the condition in the DNA of females as males.
The global study by QMIR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, in Queensland, analysed the DNA of 200,000 people suffering depression, with twice as many female participants as male.
New research has found women carry twice the genetic risk of depression than men. (Getty)
It revealed there were about 7000 changes in the DNA that could trigger depression in both sexes, and about a further 6000 DNA changes that could cause depression in females only.
Women were also more likely to display symptoms such as daytime drowsiness, greater appetite and putting on weight.
Men had different symptoms, which include substance abuse, anger and risk-taking behaviour.
Researcher Jodi Thomas said she hoped findings of the study, published in the journal Nature Communications, would lead to more sex-specific research into depression.
“Unpacking the shared and unique genetic factors in males and females gives us a clearer picture of what causes depression – and opens the door to more personalised treatments,” she said.
“The findings highlight the importance of considering sex-specific genetic influences in studying depression and other health conditions.”