The American Psychiatric Association is exploring how biological markers could be incorporated into future editions of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, potentially shifting how mental illnesses are diagnosed and treated, KFF Health News reported March 17.
Mental health conditions traditionally have been diagnosed based on symptoms rather than measurable biological indicators. The APA said in a paper published Jan. 27 in The American Journal of Psychiatry that biomarkers — such as blood-based inflammatory markers, genetic profiles or brain activity patterns — could help clinicians make more precise diagnoses and guide treatment selection, though not validated for routine use.
Research into psychiatric biomarkers has spanned decades with limited clinical adoption. One large early-2000s study found about 30% of patients with depression saw symptoms resolve with their first antidepressant, highlighting variability in treatment response.
Some findings point toward potential clinical use. About 25% of patients with depression have elevated levels of C-reactive protein, an inflammatory marker that may indicate better response to certain non-SSRI treatments. However, the APA said such markers are not yet validated for routine use.
Adoption of biomarker-driven psychiatry could also affect costs and coverage. Some studies suggest testing may reduce long-term spending by removing treatment selection, though much of that research has come from outside the U.S. Experts also told KFF Health News that limited insurance coverage could slow adoption.
The APA called for more coordinated, well-funded research to validate biomarkers, noting recent federal funding cuts have created uncertainty.
