Australian researchers revealed in a study published in the journal “Nature Communications” that women are genetically more susceptible to depressive disorders than men, which could change the way this illness is treated.

In this study, scientists analyzed the DNA of nearly 200,000 people suffering from depression to identify common genetic “markers.”

According to the project led by the Bergoufer Institute for Medical Research in Australia, women had nearly twice the number of genetic markers associated with depression compared to men.

Researcher Judy Thomas explained in a statement that “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.”

The researchers identified nearly 13,000 genetic markers linked to depression in women, compared to 7,000 markers in men.

Some of these genetic differences may also affect metabolism or hormone production.

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

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders, affecting more than 300 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.