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A blood test will show the presence of depression in a person
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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Previously, to diagnose depression, specialists conducted special surveys. But recently a new diagnostic method was developed using blood analysis. In one of the universities in the United States, scientists have identified special markers of the disease (chemical compounds) in the blood.
As it turns out, a special type of chemical compounds can be isolated in the blood during the development of a depressive state. Earlier studies conducted on animals showed that 26 markers can be isolated in the blood during stress and genetic characteristics.
It has been established that when depression develops at a young age, the prognosis for the disease is extremely disappointing. About 25% of young men and women suffer from depressive states. In the future, such states can cause the development of diseases such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's. Therefore, the presence of special markers in the blood can theoretically predict the development of severe deviations.
The experiment involved 28 teenagers, 14 of whom had no health problems, while the rest showed signs of depression. As a result, the specialists found that a blood test can more accurately determine a person's illness. In the near future, the scientists plan to test the effectiveness of the method on a larger number of volunteers, including completely healthy people and those suffering from various mental disorders, depression, etc.
Depression is the most common cause of disability, decreased productivity among the working population, frequent absences from work, educational institutions, etc. Such a mental state is characterized by significant changes in a person’s thinking, mood, and behavior.
In one of the latest studies on depressive states in people, conducted by specialists from the University of Melbourne and the University of Tasmania, it was found that sick leave does not help people overcome depression, but on the contrary, only worsens the course of the disease. Not going to work during depression is especially hard on office workers, unlike ordinary workers.
Also, during their work, the specialists assessed the costs that the company incurs in connection with replacing an employee at the workplace, as well as the costs of the person himself for treatment for depression and medical care.
According to experts, the conclusions they made may be useful to those who are faced with such a choice. According to scientists, an employee who chose to continue working should be encouraged. For example, an employer can offer a person a flexible schedule or better working conditions during depression.
Depression is the second most common cause of disability in the world (after back problems). This condition is characterized by melancholy, loss of interest in one's work, hobbies, etc., decreased self-esteem, guilt, sleep or appetite disorders (often both), poor concentration, indifference to everything around. Symptoms of the disease can be constant or appear from time to time. In some cases, a person cannot overcome daily problems, and in particularly severe cases, a person can commit suicide.
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