Key points from article :
Researchers offers a promising blood test aimed at a precision medicine approach to treatment.
Composed of RNA biomarkers that can distinguish depression, risk of developing severe depression, and future bipolar disorder.
The test also informs tailored medication choices for patients.
Study took place over four years, with over 300 participants.
Observing both high and low mood states–each time recording biological markers in their blood.
Validated top 26 candidate biomarkers of clinically severe people with depression or mania.
“These blood tests can open the door to precise, personalized medications, and objective monitoring of response to treatment," - Alexander B. Niculescu, lead researcher.
Found that mood disorders are underlined by circadian clock genes.
“Blood biomarkers offer real-world clinical practice advantages,” -Niculescu.
Research by Indiana University School of Medicine published in Molecular Psychiatry.
