In people with depressions, with adequate treatment that combines antidepressant medication and psychotherapy, a complete recovery can be achieved. However, on average, 5% of patients fail to improveeven after several treatments, or only partially and with persistence of certain residual symptoms.
Within the latter, The most frequent are not feeling pleasurenot having much interest in their usual tasks, feeling emotional emptiness, hopelessness, lack of energy, presence of negative thoughts.
At present, it is convenient to know that biomarkers are available that help the treatment to be effective.
What are biomarkers? They are measurable substances that provide information on some biological process which interferes with recovery and can guide in the choice of more effective therapies. It is an area in full expansion in research and that, in the future, will surely be of great effectiveness in the diagnosis and treatment of depression.
Meanwhile, some of them can already be used.
1) Evaluation of some hormonessince patients with high cortisol levels show a poor response to a certain kind of antidepressants, while demonstrating greater effectiveness to others.
Regarding the thyroid, hypothyroodism is a clear factor not only cause for depression but also of poor response to medication. In these cases, the aggregate of Levothyroxin has a clear enhancing effect of the action of antidepressants.
2) Measurement of inflammatory markers since chronic inflammation has been linked to depression, so patients have high levels of C -reactive protein (PCR).
Being an indicator that is observed in other conditions, it alone lacks specificity and sensitivity as a diagnostic tool, but it is useful in treatment since patients depressed with high PCR respond better to certain antidepressants (ISRN) while those who have it in normal or low values do it to others (IRSS).
3) BDNF dosage (brain -derived neurotrophic factor) It is crucial for the health of neurons and cerebral plasticity. In people with resistant depression it is diminished, which opens the door to treatments with iron supplementation (which increases it) or guides to use ketamine or certain brain stimulation therapies.
4) Check the iron level in bloodsince its deficiency facilitates depression by increasing glutamate and facilitating the appearance of post-part depression.
5) Check the cholesterol profiletriglycerides, blood glucose and insulin, since their imbalances can be linked to the lack of response to antidepressants.
6) Omega-3 deficiency also relates to a higher risk of depression and poor response to antidepressants and His supplementation has shown benefitsoffering a simple and accessible option.
The use of biomarkers can not only improve treatment, but also reduce the time patients spending suffering Without an adequate response. Therefore, psychiatrists turn to them more and more in daily practice.
akun demo slot sbobet link sbobet judi bola