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A Blood Test to Help Choose an Antidepressant
Choosing which antidepressant to take is not simple' it's almost like dating. You ask a lot of questions, such as am I nervous? How will I feel? And then, there's no way to know until you've tried it. But scientists may have found a way to cut through all that work with a simple blood test in particular, for people who need more aggressive treatment.
This study found that people whose blood tests showed inflammation had not been responsive to some common anti-depressants. The new blood work measures two molecules that are markers of inflammation: macrophage migration inhibitory factor as well as interleukin-1beta. Even though Inflammation is one of the body's immune responses to stress, it may be contributing to depression AND blocking anti-depressants.
In fact, multiple studies now show an integration of our brain's response to depression with the body's immune system. For example people whose stress trigger more inflammation are more likely to suffer depression. And those who develop depression from childhood trauma are more sensitive to certain activators of inflammation.
What appears to be happening is the inflammatory signals outside the brain are transmitted into the brain, altering behavior. Once in the brain, the inflammation can affect pathways that influence neurotransmitters which regulate behavior, such as anxiety and depression.
So, if the markers of inflammation in the blood test are above a certain level, this is a clear indication that common antidepressants may not work. This can guide doctors to prescribe more effective antidepressants from the start.
More Information
New blood test targets depression
UK scientists have developed a blood test to help doctors pick the best drug for patients with depression...
The role of inflammation in depression: from evolutionary imperative to modern treatment target
rosstalk between inflammatory pathways and neurocircuits in the brain can lead to behavioural responses, such as avoidance and alarm, that are likely to have provided early humans with an evolutionary advantage in their interactions with pathogens and predators. However, in modern times, such interactions between inflammation and the brain appear to drive the development of depression and may contribute to non-responsiveness to current antidepressant therapies. Recent data have elucidated the mechanisms by which the innate and adaptive immune systems interact with neurotransmitters and neurocircuits to influence the risk for depression. Here, we detail our current understanding of these pathways and discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting the immune system to treat depression...
