The investigators conducted the largest sex-stratified genetic study of major depressive disorder (MDD), analyzing data from more than 195,000 patients. They identified 16 genetic variants in females and 8 in males, including a novel X-chromosome variant near IL1RAPL1 in men. Females showed higher heritability and broader polygenicity, with stronger genetic links to body mass index, metabolic syndrome, and ADHD. Most variants were shared between sexes but differed in effect size, suggesting partly overlapping yet sex-dependent genetic architectures. The findings highlight the importance of incorporating sex-specific analyses to refine genetic understanding and improve precision treatments for depression.

Source: Nature Communications