heterogeneity
/ˌhɛtərədʒɪˈniːɪti/
Definition
The existence of significant diversity or variation in biological, clinical, or behavioral characteristics among individuals diagnosed with the same medical condition.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek word 'heteros' (other or different) and 'genos' (kind or race). It entered English via Late Latin, historically referring to the quality or state of being composed of dissimilar parts.
In the news
The article highlights the clinical and biological heterogeneity of major depressive disorder as a primary obstacle to effective treatment, explaining why a one-size-fits-all medication approach often fails.
A precision medicine trial of bupropion and sertraline for major depressive disorder using a biomarker-guided sequential multiple-assignment design
Read the full article ↗Nature