This study aims to identify signs of depression and bipolar disorder by measuring changes of certain molecules (biomarkers) that can be detected in dried blood spots. Our goal is to use these biomarkers to develop a diagnostic test to enable early treatment, which can lead to better patient outcomes.
Bipolar disorder and major depression are serious mental health conditions that have a devastating impact on patients, their families and friends, and society. Currently, no laboratory test exists for these disorders. We are trying to develop a molecular test based on blood spots (small spots of blood obtained from patients' fingertips that have been dried on special paper). Volunteers take part by filling out the questionnaire at www.spot-depression.org. They may then be selected to provide a dried blood spot, which can be collected at home using a kit that will be mailed to their address.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
1,000
Jordan Ramsey
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
Comparison of protein concentrations in dried blood spots between patient groups and controls
Time frame: Baseline (at enrollment); no follow-up
Assessment of classification accuracy of protein concentrations in dried blood spots for distinguishing between bipolar disorder and depression
Time frame: Baseline (at enrollment); no follow-up
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