Lifestyle Desk
08 October 2025, 01:11 PM IST
Australian researchers uncover key genetic differences in depression between women and men, paving the way for more personalised treatments.
Representational image | Photo: Canva
Australia: In a groundbreaking study, Australian researchers have uncovered key genetic differences in how depression affects females and males, paving the way for more targeted treatments and interventions.
The research, published in ‘Nature Communications’, found that genetic factors contribute more strongly to depression risk in females than in males. Scientists from the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute identified nearly twice as many genetic markers linked to depression in women’s DNA compared to men’s.
“We already know that females are twice as likely to suffer from depression in their lifetime than males. And we also know that depression looks very different from one person to another. Until now, there hasn’t been much consistent research to explain why depression affects females and males differently, including the possible role of genetics,” said Dr Brittany Mitchell, Senior Researcher at QIMR Berghofer’s Genetic Epidemiology Lab.
The team identified around 7,000 genetic variations associated with depression in both sexes and another 6,000 unique to females, totalling approximately 13,000 DNA changes linked to the condition.
Co-researcher Dr Jodi Thomas said the findings shed light on why depression may present differently in females and males. The study showed that genetic factors associated with depression in females overlap more with those linked to metabolic traits, such as weight fluctuations or changes in energy levels.
The large-scale study analysed DNA from hundreds of thousands of individuals worldwide, including around 130,000 females and 65,000 males diagnosed with depression. The researchers emphasised that these DNA differences are inherited genetic variations, not changes resulting from life experiences.
Traditionally, most clinical trials and drug studies have been conducted on males, but Dr Mitchell and Dr Thomas said their work could help bridge the gap in understanding female-specific 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 personalized treatments.”, Dr Thomas said.
The findings underscore the importance of sex-specific genetic research in understanding depression and developing better therapies for both men and women.
IANS
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