It creeps up on you.

First you think you’re just feeling “blue.” Your eating and sleeping habits change. You’re irritable. You feel worthless, guilty, exhausted…

Then your blood test confirms it. You are experiencing major depression.

Wait, what?

Okay, that last part is still fantasy, but it might not be for much longer.

Researchers have discovered a strong correlation between major depression and RNA markers that can be found in blood. What’s more, the markers later disappeared in patients whose depression receded as a result of cognitive behavioral therapy.  

These results need to be verified before the development of a clinical blood test: the study included just 32 patients with depression and an equal number without.

For now, the research is a reminder of the complex links between biochemistry and state of mind. 

According to Dr. Eva Redei, the study’s lead investigator:

 “We’ll get to the point where there won’t be any discrimination between physical illness and mental illness.”

Of course,  if you or someone you know is experiencing depression, please seek help.  Although depression may be tricky to diagnose, it is highly treatable.