Researchers at the University of Indiana School of Medicine in Indianapolis have created a blood test capable of identifying depression and bipolar disorder in patients after 15 years of research and study, local news source WTHR reported May 24.
The research was led by Alexander Niculescu, MD, PhD, a professor of psychiatry and medical neuroscience at the university, aiming to make psychiatry more precise.
"We were able to find molecules in the blood, so-called biological markers or biomarkers, that can indicate objectively whether somebody suffers from depression or bipolar disorder and can help doctors match people to the right treatment," Dr. Niculescu told WTHR.
Dr. Niculescu and the team identified 13 biomarkers that are affected by a person's mood. The amount of those markers that are elevated or decreased show if it's depression and its severity, or if it's bipolar disorder.
The results also help match patients with the antidepressants, mood stabilizers and other medications that will be the most effective in treating their symptoms.
The test can diagnose people faster and is already being used by doctors through an early-access program.