Clinicians are increasingly turning to a blood test that measures the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF, to gauge how well depression treatments are working. This approach was discussed by German Simutkin, a respected researcher in the Department of Emotional States at the Mental Health Research Institute of the Tomsk National Medical Research Center, and is noted by socialbites.ca. (Source: Socialbites)
BDNF is a protein that plays a key role in the growth and connection of neurons. It serves as a meaningful indicator of how effectively the nervous system is operating, according to the expert. This perspective aligns with ongoing efforts in North America to use biomarker data to personalize depression care. (Source: Socialbites)
Simutkin points out that tracking BDNF levels matters because in about 10 to 12 percent of cases, treatment may not yield benefits from the start. When BDNF levels increase, it often signals that antidepressant therapy is beginning to work, offering a tangible sign of progress for patients and clinicians alike. (Source: Socialbites)
He also notes that certain depressive disorders remain resistant to current interventions. In some individuals, antidepressants or mood stabilizers fail to provide relief, or the response is partial and does not meet the expectations of both patient and physician. This reality underscores the need for ongoing evaluation and potential adjustment of treatment plans. (Source: Socialbites)
The report from socialbites.ca raises questions about why depression is not uniform in its presentation or response to therapy, what modern treatment options exist both domestically and abroad, and how to tell apart simple sadness from a clinical disorder. It emphasizes the importance of seeking professional evaluation when symptoms are persistent, worsening, or interfering with daily life. (Source: Socialbites)