Women are genetically at a higher risk of clinical depression than men, according to Australian researchers, this significant finding was published in Nature Communications on Wednesday (8 October) which could change how the disorder is treated.

Described as one of the largest studies of its kind, scientists examined the DNA of almost 200,000 people with depression to identify shared genetic “flags”.

Women were found to have almost twice as many of these genetic markers linked to depression as men, according to the project led by Australia’s Berghofer Medical Research Institute.

“The genetic component to depression is larger in females compared to males,” said researcher Jodi Thomas.

“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.”

It has long been known that depression is more common in women, but the biological causes have remained somewhat unclear.

The researchers found around 13,000 genetic markers linked with depression in women, compared with 7,000 markers in men.

Some of these genetic variations could influence biological pathways related to metabolism or hormone production.

“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,” Thomas said.

Researcher Brittany Mitchell said the findings could lead to changes in how depression is treated in women.

“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.

“There are more and more reports showing that many of the medications currently developed, and much of the research to date, have mostly focused on men or male participants.”

Clinical depression, or major depressive disorder, is one of the most common mental health conditions in the world.

More than 300 million people globally are affected by depression, according to the World Health Organization.

The study was published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Communications.