A landmark study conducted by Australian researchers has uncovered significant genetic differences in the risk of clinical depression between men and women. Published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, the research analyzed the DNA of nearly 200,000 individuals with depression, marking it as one of the largest studies of its kind. The findings revealed that women possess nearly twice as many genetic markers associated with depression compared to men. Led by the Berghofer Medical Research Institute, the study identified approximately 13,000 genetic markers linked to depression in women, versus 7,000 in men. These genetic variations could influence biological pathways related to metabolism and hormone production, potentially explaining why women with depression often experience symptoms like weight fluctuations and altered energy levels. Researcher Jodi Thomas emphasized that understanding these genetic differences could pave the way for more personalized and effective treatments. The study also highlighted a historical bias in medical research, with most depression medications and studies predominantly focused on male participants. Clinical depression, affecting over 300 million people globally according to the World Health Organization, remains one of the most prevalent mental health disorders. This groundbreaking research offers new insights into the biological underpinnings of depression and underscores the need for gender-specific approaches in mental health treatment.