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Review
. 2023 Feb;54(1):266-281.
doi: 10.1007/s10578-021-01246-y. Epub 2021 Sep 29.

Biomarkers in Child and Adolescent Depression

Weronika Zwolińska  1 , Monika Dmitrzak-Węglarz  2 , Agnieszka Słopień  3
Affiliations
Review

Biomarkers in Child and Adolescent Depression

Weronika Zwolińska et al. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev. 2023 Feb.

Abstract

Despite the significant prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder in the pediatric population, the pathophysiology of this condition remains unclear, and the treatment outcomes poor. Investigating tools that might aid in diagnosing and treating early-onset depression seems essential in improving the prognosis of the future disease course. Recent studies have focused on searching for biomarkers that constitute biochemical indicators of MDD susceptibility, diagnosis, or treatment outcome. In comparison to increasing evidence of possible biomarkers in adult depression, the studies investigating this subject in the youth population are lacking. This narrative review aims to summarize research on molecular and biochemical biomarkers in child and adolescent depression in order to advocate future directions in the research on this subject. More studies on depression involving the youth population seem vital to comprehend the natural course of the disease and identify features that may underlie commonly observed differences in treatment outcomes between adults and children.

Keywords: Adolescent; Biomarkers; Child; Depression.

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Figures

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Characteristics of biomarkers in depression
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The inflammatory theory of depression
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Fig. 3
The methionine—homocysteine metabloic pathway
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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