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Early diagnosis of any mental health issue is an essential part of identifying the appropriate intervention method for a patient. This is why experts continue to exert effort in more efficient diagnostic techniques.

In a recent study, researchers revealed promising advancements in the field of mental health diagnosis and treatment. The researchers aimed to develop a blood test that could predict the risk of severe psychotic symptoms and future hospitalizations, potentially leading to personalized treatment options for conditions like schizophrenia.

Based on data from individuals diagnosed with various psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, the team collected blood samples for over a decade. By analyzing RNA in the blood, they identified biomarkers associated with the severity of hallucinations and delusions. They pinpointed 98 biomarkers for hallucinations and 70 for delusions, highlighting biological pathways such as glutamatergic signaling and Rap1 signaling.

Potential clinical applications

The study demonstrated the potential of these biomarkers to identify individuals experiencing hallucinations or delusions and those at an increased risk of hospitalization for psychosis. Additionally, some biomarkers were found to be targeted by existing psychiatric drugs like clozapine, risperidone, and lithium, suggesting potential treatment avenues.

However, while these findings offer optimism for precision psychiatry, further validation in larger and more diverse cohorts is necessary. Schizophrenia diagnosis typically relies on subjective assessments, delaying treatment initiation and hindering recovery. The development of objective blood tests could revolutionize this process, enabling early diagnosis and tailored treatment approaches. This aligns with the broader goal of advancing precision psychiatry, where treatments are customized based on individual characteristics and biomarkers.

One of the researchers, Dr. Alexander B. Niculescu, emphasized the importance of early intervention and matching patients with the most effective treatments from the outset.