Blood test for depression and bipolar disorder
2021
Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA
Mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorders) are prevalent and disabling. They are also highly co-morbid with other psychiatric disorders. Currently, there are no objective measures, such as blood tests, used in clinical practice, and available treatments do not work for everybody. This study took place over four years and included a comprehensive genomic analysis and mood evaluation of over 300 participants. The researchers describe the development of a blood test, composed of 12 RNA biomarkers that can distinguish how severe a patient's depression is, the risk of them developing severe depression in the future, and the risk of future bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness). The test also provides personalised lists of targeted prioritized existing psychiatric medications and new potential medications. Overall, the study provides objective assessments, targeted therapeutics, and monitoring of response to treatment, that enable precision medicine for mood disorders.
Precision medicine for mood disorders: objective assessment, risk prediction, pharmacogenomics, and repurposed drugs
Alexander B. Niculescu
Added on: 05-11-2021
[1] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-021-01061-w[2] https://www.bionity.com/en/news/1170604/researchers-develop-blood-test-for-depression-bipolar-disorder.html
