Scientists from the University of Cambridge have developed a blood test that can diagnose bipolar disorder using specific biomarkers. Research results published In JAMA Psychiatry.
The difficulty in defining bipolar disorder (BD) is that patients in the manic phase (accompanied by a state of euphoria) do not seek help. But bipolar disorder is characterized by sudden changes in phases. A manic period is usually followed by a depressive period.
Many psychiatrists mistakenly diagnose depression in patients with bipolar disorder and prescribe appropriate medications. However, incorrect treatment may trigger a new manic episode. People with significant mania tend to overestimate themselves, which leads them to act rashly. These include excessive financial waste and risky sexual behavior.
Scientists sought to create a tool that could detect the US at every stage with high accuracy. For this, they included approximately three thousand people with bipolar disorder and healthy volunteers in the study. Subjects evaluated their mental state by filling out surveys consisting of more than 600 questions. The researchers then took blood samples from all participants.
Scientists discovered that there are 17 special metabolites (metabolic products formed in organs, tissues and cells as a result of the metabolic process) in the blood of people with bipolar disorder that are not found in healthy volunteers. The most revealing biomarker was ceramide d18:0/24:1.
Combining data on biomarkers of bipolar disorder with information provided by patients would significantly increase the efficiency of diagnosing this disorder, the scientists noted.
Previously discovered A new mechanism for the development of depression.
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Source: Gazeta
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