Revised Research from University of Cambridge: Blood Analysis Offers Improved Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have devised an advanced method for the more accurate diagnosis of bipolar disorder by integrating a digital psychiatric assessment with a blood analysis to identify related biomarkers. This cutting-edge technique differentiates between bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, thus addressing frequent issues of misdiagnosis. The study underscores the utility of this blood test in streamlining and enhancing diagnostic procedures, positioning it as a significant advancement in the field of mental health diagnostics.

The researchers indicate that the blood test alone could correctly diagnose bipolar disorder in up to 30% of patients. However, its efficacy increases substantially when used in conjunction with an online mental health evaluation.

The inclusion of biomarker testing has the potential to assist healthcare professionals in distinguishing between bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder—two conditions with similar symptoms but which necessitate divergent pharmacological interventions.

Though still in the proof-of-concept phase, the blood test could serve as a valuable adjunct to existing diagnostic protocols and contribute to our understanding of the biological underpinnings of mental health disorders. The findings have been published in the academic journal JAMA Psychiatry.

The Complexities of Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder

Around one percent of the global population, or approximately 80 million individuals, are impacted by bipolar disorder. Alarmingly, nearly 40% of these cases are erroneously diagnosed as major depressive disorder.

“During periods of low mood, individuals with bipolar disorder often seek medical attention, which is why the condition is commonly misdiagnosed as major depressive disorder,” explained lead author Dr. Jakub Tomasik, affiliated with Cambridge’s Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology.

Research leader Professor Sabine Bahn added that the visual clinical presentations of both bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder can be very similar. Incorrect treatment of bipolar disorder with antidepressants, without concurrent mood stabilizers, can precipitate manic episodes.

The gold standard for a definitive bipolar disorder diagnosis remains a comprehensive psychiatric assessment. However, these evaluations are often backlogged and time-consuming.

“The ability to diagnose bipolar disorder through a straightforward blood test could facilitate more accurate treatment from the outset and ease the burden on medical professionals,” Tomasik elaborated.

Research Methodology and Findings

Data and samples for the research were derived from the UK-based Delta study, conducted between 2018 and 2020. The study aimed to identify bipolar disorder in individuals who had been diagnosed with major depressive disorder within the last five years and were currently experiencing depressive symptoms.

Over 3,000 participants were recruited online and completed a detailed online mental health questionnaire with more than 600 queries. Topics spanned from past and current depressive episodes to generalized anxiety, symptoms of mania, familial history, and substance abuse.

Approximately 1,000 participants were chosen to send dried blood samples obtained via a simple finger prick. These samples were then analyzed for more than 600 different metabolites using mass spectrometry. Following completion of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview—a standardized, validated diagnostic instrument—241 participants were included in the final study cohort.

Subsequent data analysis revealed a notable biomarker signal specifically linked to bipolar disorder, even after controlling for confounding variables like medication. These identified biomarkers were primarily associated with lifetime symptoms of mania.

“The biomarker test has its own merits and offers a more expedient diagnosis. A combination with the online mental health assessment is optimal as both methods are complementary,” stated Bahn.

“Some patients found comfort in the objectivity of the biomarker test. It validates that mental illness is biologically rooted, and not a mere figment of imagination,” noted Tomasik.

Professor Bahn also suggested that beyond their diagnostic utility, biomarkers could potentially identify new drug targets for mood disorders, thus advancing treatment options.

Additional Information

The research has led to the filing of a patent by Cambridge Enterprise, the commercialization wing of the University. Financial support for the study came from the Stanley Medical Research Institute and Psyomics, a University spin-out company co-founded by Professor Sabine Bahn.

Professor Sabine Bahn holds the title of Professor of Neurotechnology at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology and is a Fellow of Lucy Cavendish College, Cambridge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis

More about Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis

• JAMA Psychiatry Journal
• University of Cambridge Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
• Stanley Medical Research Institute
• Psyomics
• Cambridge Enterprise
• Delta Study Information (Note: This is a placeholder as the actual link to the Delta study was not provided.)
• Metabolomic Biomarker Signatures DOI