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

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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.

The Villa Orlando and Pasadena Villa’s Smoky Mountain Lodge are adult intensive psychiatric residential treatment centers for clients with serious mental illnesses. We also provide other individualized therapy programs, step-down residential programs, and less intensive mental health services, such as Community Residential Homes, Supportive Housing, Day Treatment Programs and Life Skills training. Pasadena Villa’s Outpatient Center in Raleigh, North Carolina offers partial hospitalization (PHP) and an intensive outpatient program (PHP). If you or someone you know may need mental health services, please complete our contact form or call us at 877-845-5235 for more information.

 

Source:

Northwestern.edu