Genetic factors contribute more to depression risk in females than in males, according to a large Australian study that may help further understanding of why women are more likely to suffer from the condition.

Analyzing DNA samples from nearly half a million people, researchers found roughly twice as many genetic ‘flags’ for depression in females compared with males, the research team reported in Nature Communications.

“We already know that females are twice as likely to suffer from depression in their lifetime than males,” study leader Dr. Brittany Mitchell of QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Brisbane said in a statement.

“Until now, there hasn’t been much consistent research to explain why depression affects females and males differently, including the possible role of gen

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