A landmark study uncovers significant genetic factors contributing to depression in women.
Nearly 200,000 DNA samples were analyzed from individuals with major depression across five international cohorts.
The study found 16 genetic variants linked to depression in women, versus only 8 in men.
Included 130,471 women and 64,805 men with depression, plus over 290,000 control samples.
Many genetic variants overlapped; however, women had a higher burden of risk genes specific to them.
Women are twice as likely to experience depression compared to men, highlighting the seriousness of these findings.
Significant genetic correlations between depression and BMI/metabolic syndrome observed in women.
Data collected from study participants in Australia, Netherlands, U.S., and two U.K. groups.
The study addresses risks such as violence and abuse, emphasizing under-diagnosis in men.
Genetic differences may be key drivers of the observed sex disparities in depression rates.
Discoveries could lead to sex-specific antidepressant therapies tailored to genetic pathways.
Research focused solely on European ancestry, which may limit applicability to other populations.
Independent psychiatrists reinforce that biology plays a critical role in higher female depression rates.