Healthy Thursday: Depression Blood Test

Now a new study suggests that a simple blood test could soon allow doctors to diagnose clinical depression as easily as they check cholesterol.

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed the first blood test that analyzes levels of nine blood biomarkers associated with adult clinical depression. The results of their study were published Tuesday in the journal Translational Psychiatry.

The test looks at levels of nine RNA blood markers, which appear to be different among patients with diagnosed clinical depression versus those who do not have depression. RNA are the molecules that help to process DNA genetic code and carry out its instructions.

This is an amazing advance in how depression will be discovered and treated. No more hit-or-miss diagnosis, over prescribing the wrong medications. Everyone gets depressed in their lives, no matter who or where you are. When the depression goes on for a longer than expected time period, is when professional advice should be sought. A professional should suggest non-medical/non-prescription advice first, such as a change in routine, eating habits or exercise. Medication should be a last resort.

DEPRESSION

Consult a doctor if you have a medical concern.
Depression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for short periods.