Blood test to detect levels of depression

[lee_merrill]

There now appears to be a blood test that detects depression, and the efficacy of treatment.

Source: Tech Exploris

Published in a new proof of concept study, researchers led by Mark Rasenick, University of Illinois Chicago distinguished professor of physiology and biophysics and psychiatry, have identified a biomarker in human platelets that tracks the extent of depression.

The research builds on previous studies by several investigators that have shown in humans and animal models that depression is consistent with decreased adenylyl cyclase — a small molecule inside the cell that is made in response to neurotransmitters such as serotonin and epinephrine.

Source

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Blessings,
Lee

[NorrinRadd]

That's interesting.

They need to address the "Limitations" of the study.

They also need to address the different ways supposed depression manifests, e.g. sadness vs. anhedonia, lack of motivation, etc.

[KingsGambit]

Interesting. Is the focus on a long-term sort of depression or can it distinguish between that and a temporary state?

[lee_merrill]

They need to address the "Limitations" of the study.

Source: Nature

This was a small pilot study, and the findings must be interpreted with caution. In addition, the study has several limitations that must be noted.

Source

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Which they duly note.

They also need to address the different ways supposed depression manifests, e.g. sadness vs. anhedonia, lack of motivation, etc.

They went with the DSM5 definition of depression.

Interesting. Is the focus on a long-term sort of depression or can it distinguish between that and a temporary state?

I would expect it would detect both of these, assuming they are caused by chemical imbalances.

Blessings,
Lee