Research and Depression - new findings!
Thursday, March 20th, 2008I read today from ScienceDaily that researchers are finding new ways to see if someone has depression, by a simple test. Plus, they can monitor responses to medicine therapy and get results within 5-6 days, instead of waiting a full month. That’s awesome!
From: Researchers May Have Found Test For Depression
“ScienceDaily (Mar. 12, 2008) — Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine have discovered that a change in the location of a protein in the brain could serve as a biomarker for depression, allowing a simple, rapid, laboratory test to identify patients with depression and to determine whether a particular antidepressant therapy will provide a successful response.
“This test could serve to predict the efficacy of antidepressant therapy quickly, within four to five days, sparing patients the agony of waiting a month or more to find out if they are on the correct therapeutic regimen,” said Mark Rasenick, UIC distinguished university professor of physiology and biophysics and psychiatry.
Despite decades of research, the biological basis of depression is unknown, and the molecular and cellular targets of antidepressant treatment remain elusive, although it is likely that these drugs have one or more primary targets.
Rasenick said the discovery could help millions who suffer from undiagnosed depression or receive unsuccessful treatment.”
Amazing new research findings and discoveries! Imagine… just taking a simple test to find out if you have a chemical imbalance in your brain. I’m excited for new technology, future research, and continued progress in the health field. 
