Could this be a new breakthrough in diagnosing major teen depression?

Posted 17-05-2012

Teenage depression is an ongoing concern that’s difficult to diagnose, due to normal mood swings during this age period. But according to an article from Northwestern University, a scientist has developed the first blood test to detect a specific set of genetic markers found in teens with depression.

Currently, diagnosing depression is based on the patient’s ability to accurately describe their symptoms and the physician’s ability to interpret them.

The new test isn’t based on subjective opinions. Instead, this test is the first to reveal that it’s possible to diagnose different types of depression and tailor care to different types. For example, a teen with major depression and a teen with major depression combined with high anxiety would probably need different medications. All types of depression shouldn’t be treated the same.

It’s estimated that rates of major depression jump from 2 to 4 percent in pre-adolescent children to 10 to 20 percent by late adolescence. Early onset depression in teens has worst prognosis than when it develops in adulthood. Untreated teens often experience higher levels of substance abuse, social maladjustment, physical illness and suicide.

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Source:

Northwestern.edu