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Blood Test Aims to ID Bipolar Moods

Could be used to diagnose disorder, though ethical issues abound

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 26, 2008 6:17 AM CST
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(Newser) – Researchers at Indiana University have developed a blood test that uses genetic markers to identify a patient's mood state, a discovery that could herald a breakthrough in the diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Widespread tests are still at least 5 years away, but already many are concerned that results would be used to screen employees, military enlistees, or even college applicants, MSNBC reports.

“We should look beyond the stigma of a mental illness because the most important thing is to have a very clear diagnosis,” emphasized one psychiatrist. Bipolar disorder can be difficult to assess, as a diagosis is heavily based on the patient's own description of symptoms. An empirical test for elevated or depressed moods would be a breakthrough for psychiatry.

A graphic charts number of children ages 0-19 diagnosed as bipolar between 1994 and 2003. The new genetic markers could help resolve questionable diagnoses.
A graphic charts number of children ages 0-19 diagnosed as bipolar between 1994 and 2003. The new genetic markers could help resolve questionable diagnoses.   (Associated Press)
British comedian Stephen Fry arrives at the 35th International Emmy Awards Monday, Nov. 19, 2007 in New York. He and Ross Wilson won for best documentary for their work in Stephen Fry - The Secret Life of the Maniac Depressive. The film aims to fight stigma with information about the...
British comedian Stephen Fry arrives at the 35th International Emmy Awards Monday, Nov. 19, 2007 in New York. He and Ross Wilson won for best documentary for their work in "Stephen Fry - The Secret Life...   (Associated Press)
Bipolar patients often need a formidable cocktail of psychiatric medications to manage their disease, a regimen difficult to stick to when in a manic phase.
Bipolar patients often need a formidable cocktail of psychiatric medications to manage their disease, a regimen difficult to stick to when in a manic phase.   ((c) ninjapoodles)
The highs and lows caused by bipolar disorder can be detected through genetic markers in the blood.
The highs and lows caused by bipolar disorder can be detected through genetic markers in the blood.   (Shutterstock)
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psychiatry • bipolar disorder • Indiana University • psychiatric medicine • Alexander Niculescu III • manic mood • depressive mood • cyclothymia

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