• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

FHE Health - Addiction & Mental Health Care Homepage

Drug, Alcohol and Mental Health Treatment

ContactCareers

Call for Immediate Help (833) 596-3502

MENUMENU
  • About
        • About FHE Rehab
          • About FHE Health
          • Our Staff
          • Locations We Serve
          • Testimonials
        • Our Campus
          • Gallery
          • Our Videos
          • The Health and Wellness Center at FHE Health
        • Our Locations
          • Alcohol Rehab
          • Detox Center
          • Drug Rehab
          • Mental Health Center
          • Outpatient Rehab
        • Careers at FHE Health
          • Employment Opportunities
        • Our Expertise
          • Accreditations
          • Educational Opportunities
          • Community Impact Award
          • First Responder Families Podcast
          • First Responder Paws
          • Education Scholarship
  • Addiction
        • Treatment Programs
          • Treatment Program Overview
          • Alcohol Addiction
          • Drug Addiction Treatment
          • Behavioral Addiction
        • Levels of Care
          • Continuum of Care
          • Addiction Detox
          • Inpatient Addiction Treatment
          • Outpatient Addiction Treatment
        • What We Treat
          • Alcoholism
          • Amphetamines
          • Benzodiazepines
          • Cocaine
          • Heroin
          • Opioids
          • Sedative
  • Mental Health
        • Mental Health Rehab
          • Mental Health Rehab
          • Onsite Psychiatric Care
          • Dual Diagnosis
        • Levels of Care
          • Residential Mental Health Care
          • Outpatient Mental Health Care
        • What We Treat
          • ADD & ADHD
          • Anxiety Disorders
          • Bipolar Disorder
          • Depression
          • Eating Disorders
          • Personality Disorders
          • PTSD
          • Schizophrenia
          • Substance Use Disorder
          • Trauma
  • Programs
        • FHE Programs
          • Specialty Program Overview
          • Restore (Mental Health)
          • Empower! (Women's Program)
          • Shatterproof FHE Health(First Responders)
          • Compass Program
        • Support Programs
          • Alumni
          • Family Support
        • Therapies
          • Acupuncture
          • Breathwork Therapy
          • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
          • DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy)
          • EMDR Therapy
          • Expressive Arts Therapy
          • Individual Therapy
          • Group Therapy
          • Gambling Therapy
          • Massage
        • Medical Care
          • Medical Integration
          • Ketamine Infusion
          • IV Vitamin
          • Fitness & Nutrition
          • Medication-Assisted Treatment
          • Medication Management
        • NeuroRehab Services
          • Neuro Rehabilitation
          • Neurofeedback Training
          • Neurostimulation Therapy
          • EEG Brain Mapping
          • Insomnia Treatment for PTSD
  • Resources
        • FHE Guides
          • Understanding Drug Abuse
          • Signs of Addiction
          • The Disease of Addiction
          • Confronting Addiction
          • Staging an Intervention
          • Rehab Success Rate – Does It Really Work?
          • Withdrawal Timelines
          • Life After Rehab
          • LGBTQ+ Community Resources
          • Veteran Resources
          • FHE Podcasts
          • Remote Resources Toolkit
        • Learning Center
          • Help for You
          • Help For Loved Ones
          • Help For Alcoholism
          • Help With Substance Abuse
          • Behavioral & Mental Health
          • Life in Recovery
          • Rehab Explained
          • Addiction Statistics
          • Our Research Articles
          • View All Articles
        • The Experience Blog
          • Addiction News
          • Alumni
          • Community Events
          • Expert Opinions
          • FHE Commentary
          • FHE News
          • Treatment Legislation
          • View All Articles
  • Admissions
        • Insurance
          • Blue Cross Insurance
          • Beacon Health / Value Options Insurance
          • Cigna Insurance
          • Humana Insurance
          • TRICARE Insurance
        • Admissions
          • Steps to Addiction Help
          • Will Insurance Cover Behavioral Treatment?
          • Self-Pay Rehab
        • FAQ
          • Keeping Your Job in Rehab
          • Example Day in Rehab
        • Contact Admissions
          • Contact Us
          • Secure Payment Form
  • Contact
  •  
Home > Learning > Help For Loved Ones > Is Your Child Depressed? Find Out with This Blood Test

July 4, 2019 By Brett Friedman

Is Your Child Depressed? Find Out with This Blood Test

Find out if your child is depressed with a blood test

Depression is a serious issue in the United States. In 2015, over 18 million adults experienced at least one depressive episode, and around 5% of children are similarly affected. Living with depression can be devastating, with symptoms that include a disinterest in hobbies and pleasurable activities, a lack of self-care, an inability to focus in school, low grades, low motivation at work, failing job performance and even suicidal ideations. In combination, this can create many problems for those who are depressed and strongly interfere with normal life in semi-permanent or far-reaching ways.

However, there has historically been no easy way to test for depression. Diagnoses have long been based on symptoms, and this can be problematic. Many depression symptoms, like trouble with self-care and a general disinterest in life, can be hard to identify as depression, particularly when the person in question doesn’t feel particularly sad or blue. Due to this, many people go undiagnosed or don’t show the proper symptoms to warrant a diagnosis, despite the reality of the situation.

New blood tests are now changing this. As doctors identify different biomarkers that can indicate depression or, sometimes, more importantly, exclude other potential disorders, a new horizon is expanding in depression diagnosis. For parents worried about symptoms in their children, this kind of test may be extremely beneficial in working towards an effective management plan.

Can Depression Be Diagnosed With a Blood Test?

How Common is DepressionThe short answer? Not exactly. Or at least, not as clearly as you’d hope.

There are several different ways to use blood testing in the diagnosis and treatment of major depressive disorder, but this doesn’t mean that blood tests provide a definitive answer or that there aren’t behavioral aspects that should be taken into consideration. Instead, blood tests should be used as a part of a larger process.

Blood tests can be applied in a few different ways. Some tests sample biological material in the blood to determine whether depression may be a likely condition. Other tests screen for things like anemia to rule out another cause of symptoms like lethargy and fatigue. Additional tests look for blood profiles that may indicate the efficacy of specific courses of treatment.

Using biological markers to enhance the process of a depression diagnosis certainly opens new doors in creating proper treatment plans and ensuring patients in need get the help they deserve.

How to Test for Depression

The first blood test designed to diagnose depression was released in 2014 by scientists at Northwestern University.

This test examines characteristics of RNA, a nucleic acid that serves as a messenger for DNA cells. By examining nine RNA markers, scientists are able to test for certain indicators that may point to depression. This test was developed by taking blood samples from both depressed and healthy subjects, including those who had been taking antidepressants yet were still showing symptoms. Doctors in the study noted nine distinct markers that occurred in far higher quantities in those who were depressed than those who were not.

The sample size for this test was fairly small — 64 people were tested, 32 depressed and 32 without depression. However, the correlation was strong, indicating that this test could be applied to a larger population with similar results. As such, this sort of testing is now being incorporated into depression diagnoses across the country in major psychiatric care centers. It is important to note that this test was performed on adults, not children, but there is no reason to believe that results would differ significantly in teens or young adults facing depression.

This particular test claims to be able to identify vulnerability to depression as well. The blood concentration of three of the RNA markers remained changed even for those who went into remission. Researchers, therefore, postulate that these markers could be indicative of those who may develop depression in the future.

It is important to note that not every cause of depression can be identified in the blood. While depression can be genetic or biological in origin, it’s not always. Depression can be highly circumstantial, with some people experiencing symptoms due to things like job loss, marital struggles or financial problems. These kinds of things may not be notable in blood, which is why behavioral exams are still critical in the comprehensive process of depression diagnosis. In children, things like bullying, relationship problems, hormonal shifts in puberty or the loss of a friend or family member can all trigger symptoms of depression.

Screening Test to Eliminate Depression

Symptoms of depression, like fatigue, lethargy, trouble finding motivation and physical weakness, can be caused by major depressive disorder but also by several other conditions, including anemia and leukemia. Some doctors prioritize testing for medical conditions before moving on to the treatment of mental health conditions. In some cases, treating the physical condition can alleviate symptoms, but in others, a treatment for depression will be required in conjunction with the treatment of physical symptoms.

Blood Tests for Treatment

Testing Options for DepressionBlood tests are used for more than diagnosis; they can also be used for purposes of treatment.

The RNA screening test referenced above also can be used in the identification of patients who will respond best to behavioral therapy. In several of the nine markers, levels varied between those who saw benefits from therapy and those who did not, providing an indication of who would be a good candidate for therapy versus medication. While many patients require a combination of both to see lasting progress, the role therapy plays may be able to be better evaluated among children and adults in the future. This may be a particular benefit for parents who are hesitant to start children or teens on medicine without evidence that it would be absolutely necessary.

This RNA screening isn’t the only test that can identify the efficacy of treatment. Researchers are also beginning to use tests that evaluate levels of C-reactive protein, or CRP. CRP is often used as an indicator of inflammation, and some theories connect inflammation in the body or brain with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. In studying the role of CRP with depression treatment, doctors have noted a difference in CRP levels within the blood and response to various treatments. When CRP levels in the blood are below 1 milligram per liter, treatments using escitalopram without other medications have proven to be effective, while those with higher levels are more likely to respond better to a combination of bupropion and escitalopram.

General Blood Tests and Overall Health

Blood tests are a regular component in physical exams, offering the ability to screen for common medical issues and find warning signs of future disease. Unfortunately, preventive care appointments are frequently neglected, resulting in a lapse in annual blood tests. Many people believe that without symptoms, the likelihood of disease is low. However, this is not the case. Many conditions, like high cholesterol, can’t necessarily be detected without a blood test, leading to the potential for serious complications if testing isn’t done regularly.

For those with an assortment of health ailments, from joint pain to digestive discomfort, blood tests can make a sizable difference in detecting the underlying problem. When these issues are stabilized, overall mood may improve. In fact, doctors have found links between chronic illnesses and depression, indicating that ongoing health problems could be a contributing factor. With regular blood testing, it’s possible to catch the kinds of problems like the development of diabetes that could be contributing to uncomfortable feelings, leading to treatments that may remedy symptoms of depression. This is often less important in children, who are less likely to have chronic health conditions, but may be a factor in cases like pediatric cancer.

Depression is a serious issue in the U.S. and around the world, but innovations in blood testing may be able to streamline diagnosis and treatment in children and adults. With the ability to look for biological markers, like RNA and levels of C-reactive protein, it may be possible for parents to better understand the biology of their children’s depression — and better plan for treatment that will make a difference.

At FHE Health, we are dedicated to making a difference for those living with mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. Our rehabilitation center is intended to provide a brighter future for those with mental illness, offering effective treatments for those facing a wide spectrum of challenges. Please contact us today to learn more.

Filed Under: Help For Loved Ones

About Brett Friedman

With an insistence on only the highest standards in policy compliance and documentation, and a strong commitment to highly ethical business practices... read more

Primary Sidebar

Learning Center

  • Help for You
  • Help For Loved Ones
  • Help For Alcoholism
  • Help With Substance Abuse
  • Behavioral & Mental Health
  • Life in Recovery
  • Rehab Explained
  • All Articles

Sign up for the Blog

Our Facilities

Take a look at our state of the art treatment center.

View Our Gallery

The Experience Blog

  • Addiction News
  • Alumni
  • Community Events
  • Expert Columns
  • FHE Commentary
  • FHE News
  • Treatment Legislation
  • All Articles

Footer

FHE Health

© 2025 FHE Health

505 S Federal Hwy #2,
Deerfield Beach, Florida 33441
1-833-596-3502
youtube facebook instagram linkedin twitter
  • Contact
  • Careers at FHE Health
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
A+ BBB and Top Places to Work - Sun Sentinel

Copyright © 2025 · FHE Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Manage Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
View preferences
{title} {title} {title}

The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing. If one of our articles is marked with a ‘reviewed for accuracy and expertise’ badge, it indicates that one or more members of our team of doctors and clinicians have reviewed the article further to ensure accuracy. This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure FHE Health is trusted as a leader in mental health and addiction care.

If there are any concerns about content we have published, please reach out to us at marketing@fhehealth.com.

833-596-3502

Text/Call Me