Blood biomarker breakthrough offers new hope in diagnosing mood disorders

New research from the Bahn Laboratory at CEB has unveiled a potential game-changer in the field of mental health diagnostics. The study suggests that a simple blood test, combined with patient-reported symptoms, could significantly improve the accuracy of differentiating between Bipolar Disorder (BD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), two mood disorders that share similar symptoms.

Distinguishing BD from MDD is a common challenge in the field of psychiatry. Because of overlapping symptoms, and the reliance on subjective patient self-reported symptoms, nearly half of patients with BD are initially mistakenly diagnosed as having MDD. Such misdiagnoses often lead to years of inappropriate treatment, which in turn worsens the course of the disease. The findings offer new hope for more accurate and faster diagnosis.

The research, part of the Delta Study conducted by the Bahn Laboratory in collaboration with the spinout company Psyomics Ltd, centred on the collection of dried blood spots (DBS) from individuals undergoing episodes of low mood. After a diagnostic interview, patient DBS samples were analysed to identify distinct biomarkers—specific molecules in the blood—associated with BD and MDD.

Using machine learning, the researchers pinpointed a panel of 17 biomarkers found in the blood, with one biomarker—called ceramide—standing out as a particularly strong indicator. The real breakthrough came when these biomarkers were combined with information volunteered by patients regarding their symptoms and other details. This combination significantly enhanced the accuracy of distinguishing BD from MDD, with biomarkers helping to identify up to an additional 30% of BD patients.

Remarkably, these biomarkers appeared to be closely associated with previous manic symptoms, a defining characteristic of BD. This suggests that the blood test can effectively identify individuals who have experienced manic episodes, a pivotal piece of information for ensuring accurate BD diagnosis.

The potential implications of this research are extensive and promising. It could usher in an era of more precise and timely diagnoses, ensuring that individuals receive the most suitable treatment for their particular condition at the earliest opportunity.

Professor Sabine Bahn, head of the Cambridge Centre for Neuropsychiatric Research at CEB, who led the study, says:

Additionally, such objective, biology-based diagnoses could help reduce the stigma associated with mood disorders, promoting greater understanding and acceptance. Dr Jakub Tomasik, first author of the study comments:

The study's findings also open the door to further exploration of the biological mechanisms underpinning mood disorders, potentially leading to the discovery of novel, personalised treatment strategies.

While these results are highly promising, additional studies are required before the blood test becomes a routine diagnostic tool in clinical practice. Nonetheless, this groundbreaking research represents a significant advancement in the field of mental health and holds the potential to revolutionise the way we diagnose and treat mood disorders, offering hope to millions of individuals worldwide who struggle with these conditions.

The full article can be accessed here.