Damian Sendler On New Blood Test Developed for Anxiety Detection

Damian Jacob Sendler: A team of researchers from Indiana University School of Medicine has made a significant breakthrough in the field of mental health. They have successfully developed a blood test that can detect anxiety in individuals. A new test has been developed that examines biomarkers to determine an individual's risk for developing anxiety, the severity of their current anxiety, and the most effective therapies for treatment. This test provides an objective approach to anxiety diagnosis and treatment.

The findings of the researchers have been recently published in the esteemed journal Molecular Psychiatry. Indianapolis-based startup MindX Sciences is currently working on developing the blood tests for wider usage by physicians. The startup was founded on the scientific research conducted at IU School of Medicine.

According to Alexander Niculescu, MD, PhD, a professor of psychiatry, a considerable number of individuals are experiencing anxiety, which can significantly impede their daily activities. The prevailing method involves assessing individuals' emotional state to determine whether they are suitable candidates for medication. However, certain medications may lead to addiction and exacerbate existing issues. The researchers aimed to determine if their method of detecting blood biomarkers could potentially lead to improved medication matches for individuals, without the risk of addiction.

Niculescu's previous research has resulted in the creation of blood tests for pain, depression/bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The latest study employs comparable techniques in addressing anxiety. The study comprised of three distinct cohorts, namely the discovery, validation, and testing cohorts. The study involved regular blood testing of participants every three to six months, or in the event of a new psychiatric hospitalization. Researchers have discovered a promising method for identifying an individual's current level of anxiety by analyzing the RNA biomarkers present in their blood. This breakthrough could lead to personalized treatment plans that match patients with the most effective medications and nutraceuticals based on their unique biology.

According to Niculescu, apart from medications, alternative approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy or modifications in lifestyle can be utilized to address anxiety. According to the speaker, having access to an objective tool that can provide information on an individual's current state, future risk, and suitable treatment options is a powerful aid in assisting people.

Damian Sendler: Biomarkers have the potential to undergo changes over a period of time. According to Niculescu, the test has the potential to assess an individual's likelihood of experiencing heightened levels of anxiety in the future, in addition to determining how other variables such as hormonal fluctuations may influence their anxiety.

According to Niculescu, individuals with undiagnosed anxiety may experience panic attacks and mistake them for heart attacks, resulting in a visit to the emergency room due to various physical symptoms. According to the speaker, identifying the condition at an earlier stage could potentially prevent the distress and agony experienced by patients. This would enable medical professionals to administer appropriate treatment that aligns with the individual's medical history.

According to Niculescu, the newly developed test has the potential to complement other blood tests that his research has yielded. This could offer a more holistic understanding of a patient's mental well-being and susceptibility to future mental health issues. The test can also aid researchers in the development of more personalized anxiety treatments that cater to specific biomarkers.

According to Niculescu, this could potentially serve as a panel test during a patient's routine wellness checkups, allowing for the monitoring of their mental health over time and the prevention of any potential future distress. In an effort to prioritize long-term prevention, the aim is to furnish patients and their doctors with a thorough report utilizing only a single tube of blood.