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Blood test could predict the severity of depression in adolescents

Researchers have found nine markers in blood that are associated with adolescents experiencing more severe symptoms of depression months later

By Grace Wade

16 November 2023

Illustration of microRNA

Science Photo Library / Alamy

Adolescents with depression have higher levels of certain molecules in their blood than those without the condition. The finding could help identify teenagers who are more susceptible to depression, and lead to earlier interventions for them.

Depression is the most common mental illness worldwide, and adolescents are especially vulnerable to developing it. For instance, an estimated 1 in 5 teenagers in the US met the criteria for major depressive disorder in 2021. Yet diagnosing and treating the condition is difficult due to a lack of objective measures…

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