Cosmopolitan article ‘A new blood test could identify whether you are more likely to be suicidal’ looks at the discovery of a link between blood proteins and predisposition to suicidal tendencies.
A new study has suggested that there were lower levels of a particular blood protein, known as BDNF, in those who had previously experienced suicidal thoughts; indicating that there could be potential for using a blood test to determine a person’s suicide risk.
Cosmopolitan sought expert advice from Smart TMS’s Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Director, Dr Leigh Neal, who explained:
“The blood test would be taken by a GP/nurse in the same way that you have blood tests now.
“The test would be looking to identify levels of BDNF within the blood. BDNF is responsible for synaptic plasticity and the growth, development, maintenance and function of neurons.
“Altered synaptic plasticity is thought to play a role in the development of suicidal behaviour.
The initial study was based on 73 mothers. Dr Leigh Neal added that there is further research and development required before the blood test becomes available.
“Research on BDNF levels as a suicide attempt predictor is at a very early stage and have shown equivocal results so far. It remains of some interest but it requires considerably more research. The study needs to be built on and reviewed in order to prove the efficacy of the test in relation to predicting future suicide attempts.”
The reliability of the blood test would need to be improved and years of research carried out in order to unequivocally demonstrate that people with a lower level of BDNF do go on to attempt suicide.
If this were positive, then use of a blood test to identify those at possible risk may lead to GP monitoring for depression in order to have intervention before a person had suicidal thoughts.
Equally, there is a concern that telling a person with normal mental health that they were biologically more inclined to be suicidal could be upsetting, confusing or problematic. Dr Leigh Neal said:
“People with a normal mental state do not usually have suicidal thoughts… it might encourage earlier consideration of psychotherapy if their are any psychological issues.”
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Read the full article on the Cosmopolitan website: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/body/health/a15171721/new-blood-test-for-suicidal-tendencied/
Dr Leigh A Neal
Dr Leigh A Neal is a consultant psychiatrist and Medical Director of Smart TMS, a London-based clinic offering Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation – a non-medication-based mental health treatment.
He has been a Consultant Psychiatrist for over 20 years with a career including work within the Armed Forces, NHS and Independent Sector.
Smart TMS Clinics
Smart TMS was established in 2015, providing TMS treatment at their original South Kensington/Brompton Cross centre in London. The company opened a second clinic in Birmingham in September 2017 and also has an established base in Northampton. The first Irish clinic was opened in Dublin in October 2017. Smart TMS is planning further locations for Manchester and Bristol in 2018.
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