FYI: Blood Test for Depression?


What would you think about a blood test for depression? Would that make a difference to you? Would it change everything? Would it change nothing?

 'Test Suggests Nine Ingredients of Depression' is a fascinating article,  about a possible blood test for depression.

 Could it be both a good thing and a bad thing? The good thing is that a blood test can tell someone who is denying depression, that in fact, they have a physical illness called depression. Another good thing would be that if you tested positive you would be  more apt to get paid sick leave from work.

'Can Blood Tests Diagnose Depression?' says "New blood tests purport to correctly diagnose depression by measuring biological markers like inflammation and neural development." It is non-conclusive at this point but it sure makes you think.

 Certainly a blood test might help lessen the stigma surrounding mental illness.

 The bad thing could be that if you have symptoms of depression but a blood test says you shouldn't be depressed, where would you go from there?

 A blood test for depression is still just an idea, not a proven method at this point. Who would benefit the most from such a test, the pharmaceutical companies or the patients?  It is something to think about. How would it change things for you?

 WHAT ABOUT YOU? How are you feeling today? Would a blood test make you feel more validated? Would it make people look at your 'illness' differently?

 Don't give up! There is hope for depression.



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