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A blood test can predict the effectiveness of treatment for depression
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Scientists from the University of Loyola report that they have found the first reliable method that predicts whether an antidepressant will work for a particular patient with depression.
This method was a blood test for a protein called the endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Loyola's scientists found that patients with depression who had high levels of VEGF in the blood in 85% of cases partially or completely got rid of depression after taking escitalopram (Lexapro® trademark), compared to 10% of patients with depression who had low VEGF .
About 60% of patients with depression do not fully react to medications prescribed by a doctor. Therefore, doctors often prescribe different medications again and again before they find a truly effective drug. "If we could predict the effectiveness of antidepressants in advance, this would simplify the task of the doctor and treat the patient," said the author of the study, Halaris.
The study involved 35 patients who took escitalopram for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Escitalopram belongs to the class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Other common SSRIs are Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft.
One of the possible hypotheses explaining the mechanism of action of SSRIs is the neurogenic theory according to which SSRIs restore in certain parts of the brain nerve cells that are atrophied in patients suffering from depression.
A study conducted by scientists Loyola, confirmed this theory. The use of escitalopram led to the regeneration of inactive neurons of the corresponding parts of the brain. This regeneration took place through VEGF. In the brain, VEGF stimulates the growth of blood vessels and activates brain cells. It appears that in patients with a higher VEGF level, more intensive neuronal regeneration was observed, which was accompanied by a reduction in the symptoms of depression.
If the findings of the study are confirmed by further research, this will greatly help doctors in determining the tactics of treating depression. For example, if a patient has a low level of VEGF, the doctor may not prescribe SSRIs and try alternative classes of antidepressants, such as bupropion, or other treatments for depressive disorders, including psychotherapy or transcranial magnetic stimulation.
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