Depressive disorder is one of the most common mental disorders that affect more than 300 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

According to a new study, women have a higher genetic risk of depression, that is, they are genetically at a greater risk for men’s depressing disorders.

The study of Australian researchers published today in the journal Nature Communications could change the way the disease is treated.

Blame the genes

In this scientifically evaluated study, which is characterized as one of the largest ever carried out in this area, scientists have analyzed the DNA nearly 200,000 people suffering from depression to identify common genetic “indicators”.

Women had almost twice as many genetic markers associated with depression by men, according to a study, led by the Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Australia.

The researchers identified about 13,000 genetic markers associated with depression in women, compared to 7,000 in men. Some of these genetic differences could also affect metabolism or hormone production.

“Identifying common and specific genetic factors in men and women allows us to better understand the causes of depression and paves the way for more personalized treatments,” researcher Jodie Thomas said in a statement.

“We have discovered some genetic differences that can help us explain why women with depression have more often metabolic symptoms, such as weight fluctuations or changes in energy levels,” Thomas said.