Women carry a much higher risk of genetic depression than men, a study by Australian experts has found.

The scientists identified twice as many "flags", or warning signs, of the condition in the DNA of females as males.

The global study by QMIR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, in Queensland, analysed the DNA of 200,000 people suffering depression, with twice as many female participants as male.

It revealed there were about 7000 changes in the DNA that could trigger depression in both sexes, and about a further 6000 DNA changes that could cause depression in females only.

Women were also more likely to display symptoms such as daytime drowsiness, greater appetite and putting on weight.

Men had different symptoms, which include substance abuse, anger and risk-taking behaviour.

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