Scientists Develop Blood Tests That Can Diagnose Depression, Making It Easy To Recognize Mental Disorders

Illustration of depression (Photo by Sasha Freemind on Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Mental disorders such as depression and excessive anxiety are real. Regardless of the environment or the community that has not been able to accept this disorder.

Indeed, mental health-related topics are a novelty. It hasn't been a decade since health experts made it the focus of discussion and research.

Now, especially in Indonesia, topics related to mental health are increasingly being addressed. For example, such as the commotion on Twitter due to the expression Deddy Corbuzier and Luna Maya which is considered less aware and attention to people with mental disorders.

Indeed, both public figures have already apologised and promised not to repeat. Problem solved. But, one thing we can deduce. Public awareness, especially netizens, of mental disorders is getting greater.

Fortunately, in the future the community can more easily recognize people with mental disorders. Because, scientists managed to develop a blood test that is able to diagnose depression. Amazingly, the test has a fairly high level of accuracy!

Blood Tests for Diagnosis of Mental Disorders of Depression

Recently, a group of researchers from Indiana University School of Medicine published a study titled "Precision medicine for mood disorders: objective assessment, risk prediction, pharmacogenomics, and repurposed drugs".

In the study published in the Journal of Nature, researchers found that mental health diagnoses can be done by blood test method. In fact, from these tests, researchers can determine a person's level of depression.

"Overall, our study provides objective assessment, targeted therapy, and oversight of responses to treatments, so as to provide the right medications for people with mood disorders," wrote study leader Alexander Niculescu.

Citing information presented in the journal, the study took four years. And during that time the researchers observed the behaviors and habits of the 300 subjects involved.

Indeed, in terms of numbers, the number 300 may be fairly small. But, when considering the length of time the data is retrieved, the findings are quite valuable.

During the research process, scientists observed participants divided into two different groups. Namely the group with low and high mood disorders. Not only that, researchers also collected data in the form of medical signs or symptoms -- called Biomarkers.

The marks were obtained by the researchers through the blood of the subjects. Then, the researchers compared the available examples with mental health-related information that had been stored in the data center.

As a result, the researchers found the presence of 26 biomarkers in a person diagnosed with severe depression. The success of the researchers in identifying the pattern gave new hope for the right treatment for people with depression.

Because, at the moment, depression treatment is still stuck in a practice full of trial-and error. Often, treatment even makes patients trapped in the influence of anti-depressant drugs. Because, each individual shows a different response to the drug.

"We want to develop blood tests for depression and bipolar disorder. To distinguish the two, and to provide appropriate care for sufferers," Alexander wrote.