Depression is typically diagnosed through psychiatric evaluation - which is not always accurate. However, there is some promising new research that may help better identity those at risk of depression. Researchers have been able to identify a number of biological markers taken from blood samples in both teenagers and adults that helped them differentiate between those who had depression and those without.
These blood tests are not intended to replace psychiatric evaluation but instead can add more solid information to a patient's health status.
Radcliffe, Shawn. Men's Fitness. New Blood Tests for Depression. Retrieved from: http://t.co/jfrzyov5. Retrieved on April 21, 2012.