Genetic factors play a greater role in depression in women than men, according to new Queensland research.
A study by Brisbane-based QIMR Berghofer found about twice as many genetic “flags” for depression in the DNA of females compared with males.
Senior Researcher at QIMR Berghofer’s Genetic Epidemiology Lab Dr Brittany Mitchell said the findings could pave the way for more targeted intervention and treatments.
“We already know that females are twice as likely to suffer from depression in their lifetime than males,” Dr Mitchell said.
“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.”
She said the recent study, published in Nature Communications, identified about 7000 changes in the DNA that could cause depression in both sexes, and about a further 6000 DNA changes (a total of 13,000) that could cause depression in females only.
Researcher Dr Jodi Thomas said the study also pinpointed how depression could show up differently for females and males.
Dr Thomas said the team found that the genetic factors linked to depression overlapped more with those associated with metabolic traits in females.
“We found some genetic differences that may help explain why females with depression more often experience metabolic symptoms, such as weight changes or altered energy levels.”
She said the global study was the largest of its kind to look at males and females in this way, with scientists analysing DNA from hundreds of thousands of people with and without depression including around 130,000 females and 65,000 males with depression.
Dr Thomas said the changes in DNA the scientists had identified were genetic differences people were born with, not changes that happened because of life experiences.
She said, traditionally, most drug trials and therapies were tested on males, but it was hoped their work would also translate to a greater clinical understanding of female 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,” Dr Thomas said.
“The findings highlight the importance of considering sex-specific genetic influences in studying depression and other health conditions.”
Read the full study: Sex-stratified genome-wide association meta-analysis of major depressive disorder.
