Medical expert of the article
New publications
A blood test will show the presence of depression in humans
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Previously, to diagnose depression, specialists conducted special surveys. But recently a new method for diagnosing blood was developed. In one of the universities of the United States, scientists have identified in the blood of special markers of the disease (chemical compounds).
As it turned out, with the development of a depressive state in the blood, a special type of chemical compounds can be distinguished. Earlier studies that were conducted on animals showed that under stress and genetic peculiarities, 26 markers can be identified in the blood.
It was found that with the development of depression at a young age, the prognosis of the disease is extremely disappointing. About 25% of young men and women suffer from depressive conditions. In the future, such conditions 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 abnormalities.
In the experiment, 28 adolescents participated, among whom 14 had no health problems, and the rest showed signs of depression. As a result, experts have established that the analysis of blood can more accurately determine the disease in humans. In the immediate plans of scientists to test the effectiveness of the method on more volunteers, including fully healthy and suffering from various mental abnormalities, depressions, etc.
Depression is the most common cause of disability, a decline in productivity among the able-bodied population, frequent absenteeism at work, educational institutions, etc. Such a mental state is marked by significant changes in thinking, mood, and human behavior.
In a recent study on depressive conditions in humans conducted by specialists from Melbourne and Tasmanian universities, it was found that hospital patients do not help people overcome depression, but, on the contrary, only worsen the course of the disease. Non-entry to work during the depression is especially hard for office workers, unlike ordinary workers.
Also, in the course of their work, specialists evaluated the costs incurred by the firm from the connection with the replacement of the employee in the workplace, as well as the person's costs of treatment for depression and medical care.
As experts believe, the conclusions drawn by them can prove useful to those who faced such a choice. According to scientists, an employee who preferred to continue working should be encouraged. For example, an employer can offer a person for a period of depression a flexible schedule or improve working conditions.
Depression is the second most common cause of disability in the world (after diseases of the back). Such a state is characterized by sadness, loss of interest in their work, hobbies, etc., a decrease in self-esteem, guilt, sleep and appetite disorder (often both), poor concentration, indifference to everything around. Symptoms of the disease can be permanent or appear from time to time. In some cases, a person can not overcome daily problems, and in particularly difficult conditions a person can commit suicide.