In a groundbreaking development, researchers from the University of Cambridge have pioneered a novel approach to enhance the diagnosis of bipolar disorder. By combining an online psychiatric assessment with a simple blood test, the researchers have unveiled a potentially transformative diagnostic method, aiming to address misdiagnoses commonly encountered in mental health cases.
The innovative diagnostic method incorporates a blood test designed to identify specific biomarkers associated with bipolar disorder. While the blood test alone could successfully diagnose up to 30% of bipolar disorder cases, the researchers emphasize that combining it with a digital mental health assessment significantly enhances diagnostic accuracy.
According to Dr. Jakub Tomasik from Cambridge’s Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, the blood test offers a faster and more objective alternative to conventional psychiatric assessments. This breakthrough could play a pivotal role in differentiating between bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, providing crucial insights for tailored pharmacological treatments.
Bipolar disorder, affecting approximately 1% of the global population, poses a significant diagnostic challenge, with nearly 40% of patients being initially misdiagnosed as having major depressive disorder. Professor Sabine Bahn, who led the research, explains that the overlapping symptoms between the two conditions often lead to inappropriate treatments, emphasizing the need for more precise diagnostic tools.
The ability to diagnose bipolar disorder during periods of low mood, which is when patients typically seek medical attention, is crucial. Misdiagnoses frequently occur because the symptoms of low mood in bipolar disorder closely resemble those of major depressive disorder. Incorrect prescriptions, particularly the use of antidepressants without mood stabilizers, can trigger manic episodes.
One of the key advantages of the blood test is its efficiency and speed. While full psychiatric assessments involve lengthy processes and waiting times, the blood test offers a rapid and effective means of diagnosis. The researchers believe that integrating this blood test into psychiatric diagnosis could alleviate pressure on medical professionals, ensuring that patients receive accurate diagnoses promptly.
The study utilized data from the Delta study, conducted in the UK from 2018 to 2020. Over 3000 participants completed an extensive online mental health assessment, and approximately 1000 provided dried blood samples for analysis. The blood samples, obtained through a simple finger prick, underwent comprehensive analysis for over 600 different metabolites using mass spectrometry.
The research results, published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, demonstrated a significant biomarker signal for bipolar disorder, independent of confounding factors such as medication. By combining patient-reported information with the biomarker test, the researchers achieved substantial improvements in diagnostic outcomes, particularly in cases where the diagnosis was less apparent.
As Professor Bahn highlights, the combination of online assessment and the biomarker test is complementary, offering a comprehensive and efficient diagnostic approach. This breakthrough not only promises improved diagnostic accuracy but also opens avenues for understanding the biological origins of mental health conditions.
The researchers have filed a patent on this groundbreaking diagnostic approach through Cambridge Enterprise. Beyond its diagnostic capabilities, the identified biomarkers may also serve as potential drug targets for mood disorders, paving the way for more effective treatments. This marks an exciting juncture in mental health research, offering hope for advancements in both diagnosis and treatment for individuals with bipolar disorder.
*Note: The research was supported by the Stanley Medical Research Institute and Psyomics, a University spin-out company co-founded by Professor Sabine Bahn.*
