Blood tests for depression medicine

Scientists have found a new way to determine if an antidepressant is effective for patients.

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According to the Top News website , this method involves a blood test to find a protein called Vascular Membrane Growth Factor (VEGF) .

Researchers have come to this discovery while conducting a study at the Loyola University Medical Center in Illinois (USA).

The study involved a group of patients taking Escitalopram to treat depression. Escitalopram belongs to an antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

More than 85% of depressed patients have higher blood levels of VEGF than normal after taking Escitalopram, partly or completely relieved. In contrast, less than 10% of depressed patients have low VEGF levels that respond to the drug.

Expert Angelos Halaris, research leader, said: 'This will be the first time we have a predictor of a patient's ability to respond to depression medication. It is very beneficial for patients if we can predict the effectiveness of the drug for each patient '.

About 60% of patients with depression do not fully respond to treatment drugs. Therefore, doctors often have to constantly prescribe different drugs before finding a drug that works for the patient.

Scientists are unsure about why SSRIs are effective in some patients but are 'bundled' with other patients. A possible cause is SSRIs that help restore the chemical balance in the brain.