Genetic Risk of Clinical Depression Higher in Women, 2025 Study Finds

A new study claims that women are genetically at higher risk of clinical depression than men.

Researchers at Australia’s Berghofer Medical Research Institute examined the DNA of almost 200,000 people with depression to pinpoint shared genetic “flags.”

Around 13,000 genetic markers were linked with depression in women, compared with 7,000 markers in men.

“Unpacking the shared and unique genetic factors in males and females gives us a clearer picture of what causes depression — and opens the door to more personalized treatments,” Dr. Jodi Thomas said.

Clinical depression, or major depressive disorder, is one of the most common mental disorders in the world.

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Disability Benefits for Depression in Canada

Depression can have a profound impact on an individual’s ability to perform their job duties — even with appropriate treatment.

For Canadians who can’t work due to this debilitating mental disorder, short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) benefits can provide a crucial financial lifeline.

How These Benefits Help

• STD: Provides temporary financial support for individuals unable to perform their job duties.
• LTD: Offers income replacement for individuals unable to return to work for an extended period of time.

To qualify for STD or LTD benefits, medical documentation is essential to demonstrate how your condition prevents you from working.

Sadly, insurance companies often deny legitimate LTD claims — including in cases involving depression — adding unnecessary stress to an already difficult situation.

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📺 WATCH: Next Steps for Canadians After a Disability Claim is Denied

Claim Denied? Contact Us

If your insurance company prevented you from accessing disability benefits for depression, or another medical condition, connect with an experienced disability lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Our compassionate team regularly resolves issues involving STD, LTD, critical illness, life insurance, and mortgage insurance claims.

We’ve helped countless Canadians secure the compensation they’re owed. Contact us today for a FREE disability consultation.