Depression has become increasingly prevalent in today’s society, affecting a staggering 35 million Americans at some point in their lifetime (about 16% of the population). Research has shown that 60% of patients do not receive proper treatment, while 60% of treated patients do not respond to their first trial of antidepressants. Researchers at Layola University Medical Center have recently developed a blood test to assess the effectiveness of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants like Prozac and Zoloft.
This test could allow psychiatrists to be more selective and accurate when prescribing an antidepressant, and help increase the number of patients receiving proper treatment for their depression.
The new test detects the level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in blood. VEGF is primarily responsible for new blood vessel formation and homeostasis, but research has shown that when combined with SSRI antidepressants, VEGF becomes a powerful player in psychological function. SSRIs are believed to increase neurogenesis; the production of new neurons within the brain. In patients with high levels of VEGF, this neurogenesis is supported by new blood vessel formation and general chemical homeostasis. In patients with low levels of VEGF, the neurogenesis caused by SSRIs is not as effective, reducing the psychological impact of the drug.
In a clinical trial, 85% of patients with high levels of VEGF showed positive results from taking Lexapro, a SSRI antidepressant. While only 10% of patients with low VEGF levels experienced similar results. These numbers suggest a legitimate correlation between VEGF levels and effectiveness of SSRIs, which should spark the attention of psychiatrists. Although a relatively expensive blood test, mass use of such a test would inevitably bring prices down.
This breakthrough suggests the eventual possibility of using a patient’s individual body chemistry to accurately prescribe any drug, greatly improving the effectiveness of treatment.
For more information check out: New York Times – Depression in America.
