According to Maxisciences, Australian researchers are currently developing a test that determined the concentration of a neurotransmitter, quinoleic acid.
According to Swedish researchers, suicidal tendencies could be linked to the presence of inflammation in the brain, which would lead in particular to an excessive production of an organic compound, quinoleic acid. A neurotoxic molecule already involved in degenerative brain processes such as those of Alzheimer’s disease.
According to the study published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, suicidal people have a higher level of quinoleic acid than others. Australian scientists at the University of New South Wales now want to develop a blood test capable of detecting whether a person is suicidal or not.
“We now know the mechanism and the molecule involved, so we need to find an easy way to test it.“, explained Professor Gilles Guillemin, researcher of the project. The test could then serve as a diagnostic tool for doctors wishing to assess the mental state of a depressed patient.”We believe it will take around 12 months to develop a test that could give doctors results in 24 to 48 hours.“, the scientist told the Australian Associated Press.
A complicated prediction
Obviously the blood test would not be enough to establish a diagnosis. It would serve as a tool for confirming a pre-established diagnosis.
“Predicting suicide is difficult. A blood test would be interesting but probably not very useful in terms of a specific indicator because there are so many factors that influence suicidal behavior“said Bob Goldney, professor of psychiatry at the University of Adelaide.
This test could also make it possible to work on depression and other mental disorders and to understand the chemical mechanisms involved, in particular the role of quinoleic acid.